Theoretical Perspectives
Conflict Theory p. 41
Overview:
Conflict Theory can be applied to society to examine the struggle between
social institutions, class structure and family members. It explains how power,
not functional interdependence, holds a society together. The reason for
studying society is to understand the historical and economic causes of
injustice in the society. Some think sociologists should become involved in
trying to change these injustices.
It is based in Karl Marx’s political theory and Frederick Engels sociological
theory.
Principles of thought:
Conflict between opposing groups occurs in every society because of
inequalities in power.
Power relationships can be seen between members of different social classes
and between genders.
If groups are in competition, then the needs of all will not be met equally.
This competition can also be a result of exploitation by individuals in the group
with greater power over others from a group with lesser power.
Application of the Conflict Theory – and society:
It is a macro study that looks at society as a whole, not at the individual
struggling within society.
Those who hold power are in the minority, yet they control the livelihood of
the masses of the working people. Meaning, the upper class controls the
working class.
Many people believe this inequality is the natural state of human society,
conflict theorists argue that that inequality should be eliminated.
Application of the Conflict Theory – and the family:
One can argue that the class structure in society is modeled in the structural
inequalities of the family.
Men’s labour outside the home is paid, while women’s labour within the home
is unpaid.
Therefore, women had no power within the home. Yet, they contributed to
the capitalistic society through their housework, and by providing children who
would be future labourers.
Despite these contributions, the wife was dependent and the family system was
therefore one of oppressor and oppressed.
Only when women are paid for their labour might gender inequalities be
removed, and a truly egalitarian family system could take its place.
Theoretical Perspectives
Conflict Theory p. 41
Limitations of the Theory:
Marx’s predicted social revolution to end the class struggle never really
materialized in Western society. Instead, the industrial revolution improved
many lives across class lines and created a middle class.
Since it’s a macro study, it can’t take into account individual variations of
people, families, or social institutions.
Individuals are only looked at in terms of their general roles: husband, wife,
worker.
There might be situations in a society that do not involve any form of conflict.
Some situations might involve cooperation.
Questions/Activities
1. What other groups (other than the family) in Canadian society could be
analyzed using the conflict theory? Chose one group and explain their
situation, their goals, and the methods they are using to get their
message across.
2. Apply this theory to the dynamics of a classroom. Explain what you
think might happen if the students have more control in the classroom
than the teacher.
3. List 3 examples of when members of Canadian society were experiencing
conflict.
4. List 3 examples of when members of Canadian society were cooperating.
5. Does money = power? (in society, in the family?)
Theoretical Perspectives
Conflict Theory p. 41
Overview:
Conflict Theory can be applied to society to examine the ___________ between
social institutions, class structure and family members. It explains how power,
not functional interdependence, holds a society together. The reason for
studying society is to understand the historical and economic causes of
injustice in the society. Some think sociologists should become involved in
trying to change these injustices.
It is based in ____________________’s political theory and Frederick Engels
sociological theory.
Principles of thought:




Conflict between opposing groups occurs in every society because of
__________________________________________.
Power relationships can be seen between members of different social
classes and between ____________________.
If groups are in competition, then the needs of all will not be met
equally.
This competition can also be a result of exploitation by individuals in the
group with greater power over others from a group with lesser power.
Application of the Conflict Theory – and society:



It is a ______________ study that looks at society as a whole, not at the
individual struggling within society.
Those who hold power are in the minority, yet they control the
livelihood of the masses of the working people. Meaning, the
_____________class controls the _____________class.
Many people believe this inequality is the natural state of human
society; conflict theorists argue that that inequality should be
eliminated.
Application of the Conflict Theory – and the family:



One can argue that the class structure in society is modeled in the
structural inequalities of the family.
Men’s labour outside the home is paid, while women’s labour within the
home is ___________________.
Therefore, women had no power within the home. Yet, they
contributed to the capitalistic society through their housework, and by
providing children who would be future _____________________.
Theoretical Perspectives


Conflict Theory p. 41
Despites these contributions, the wife was dependent, and the family
system was therefore one of oppressor and oppressed.
Only when women are paid for their labour might gender inequalities be
removed, and a truly ____________________ family system could take
its place.
Limitations of the Theory:




Marx’s predicted social revolution to end the class struggle never really
materialized in Western society. Instead, the industrial revolution
improved many lives across class lines and created a middle class.
Since it’s a macro study, it can’t take into account individual variations
of people, families, or social institutions.
Individuals are only looked at in terms of their general roles: husband,
wife, worker.
There might be situations in a society that do not involve any form of
conflict; some might involve cooperation.
Questions/Activities
1. What other groups (other than the family) in Canadian society could be
analyzed by using the conflict theory? Chose one group and explain their
situation, their goals, and the methods they are using to get their
message across.
2. Apply this theory to the dynamics of a classroom. Explain what you
think might happen if the students have more control in the classroom
than the teacher.
3. List 3 examples of when members of Canadian society were experiencing
conflict.
4. List 3 examples of when members of Canadian society were cooperating.
5. Does money = power? (in society, in the family?)