Conflict Theory: Background, Critical Aspects, and Personal Views

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Abstract

Different concepts exist that make it possible for people to learn more about societies. Conflict theory is one of those models and it is believed to have originated from the works of Karl Marx. This model theory is informative and capable of describing the origin of class differences and struggles. Wright Mills, Antonio Gramsci, Theodor Adorno, and Max Horkheimer present additional concepts to describe conflicts from different perspectives. The framework could help scholars analyze the manner in which the less privileged members of any community engage in actions intended to transform their lives. At different levels of the society, the theory remains critical and applicable in a wide range of areas or occurrences. A detailed analysis of this model could help more people find long-lasting challenges affecting humanity today.

Conflict Theory

Human are social beings with innate attributes that define their ambitions and objectives in life. Historians agree that people have for centuries congregated in societies that allow them to achieve their common goals, such as reproduction and security. While focusing on such shared aims, most of these individuals would master new ways of pursuing personal wealth and goals. This trend is believed to have led to a new state of affairs characterized by inequalities and differences in peoples strengths in terms of resources and personal property. This scenario is what forms the background of the modern materialistic approach to sociology. The emergence of power and material differentials is what many scholars acknowledge led to social conflicts and class struggles. Conflict theory has, therefore, emerged as a superior framework for describing social arrangements and reforms from the macro-level. This paper gives a detailed research analysis of this theory and personal views regarding its effectiveness and applicability.

Analyzing Conflict Theory

Background

The term conflict theory is widely used to represent several approaches in the field of sociology that identify the limited nature of resources as the source of struggles in communities. The concepts applicability tends to differ significantly from the notion of functionalism. Theorists supporting the conflict model believe that divisions in resources and power usually define societies. Such attributes create a unique form of inequality, thereby increasing chances of conflicts (Holgersen, 2020). In the past, a number of scholars have managed to analyze their respective communities from diverse perspectives. Their works would eventually present evidence-based ideas and concepts that continue to reshape the manner in which people examine societies from the macro-level point of view. Today, conflict theory has become one of the widely studied and applied theories in studying social problems and challenges.

Historical Analysis

The current understanding and practicability of conflict theory in the field of sociology is directly linked to the works of Karl Marx. This great thinker attributes struggles in societies as a result of competition for power and limited resources (Chikwado, 2017). According to the scholar, humans tend to promote disorderliness as natural creatures. To promote a sense of uniformity or order, those who have the resources would tend to identify ways for maintaining power or dominating their counterparts. The wealthy in the given society would apply all means possible to retain their resources. The possible outcome is that such individuals would be on the frontline to oppress the powerless and those with minimum or no resources.

Karl Marx went further to indicate that the nature of human beings encouraged them to collaborate and focus on the best ways to achieve their goals. His views would explain the origin of revolutions and how people could work together in an effort to challenge the established status quos and the manner in which resources were misappropriated. Marx would reveal that the events witnessed in the world, such as the notions of democracy and the pursuit of social justice, are attempts intended to achieve mass control (Chikwado, 2017). Based on these observations, it is evident that Marx identified conflicts as a challenge arising from the forces of the bourgeoisie and those of the proletariat (Anser et al., 2020). The unjust distribution of scarce resources, the presence of the bourgeoisie community, and the oppressed majority led to class struggles that could trigger revolutions.

In the recent past, many theorists have presented additional views to strengthen and improve the applicability of conflict theory. Most of these analysts acknowledge that competition would always be present between different individuals or communities. This situation would even exist when resources are scarce and unavailable to most of the citizens. Antonio Gramsci would rely on Marxs findings to present the notion of ideology and how it remains a strong force in overcoming hegemony (Bartonek & Wallenstein, 2021). Other analysts have presented the power of mass media and culture and their roles in shaping social ideas. Some of these scholars include Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer (Bartonek & Wallenstein, 2021). Their views support the notion that music, art, and media play a crucial role towards supporting cultural hegemonic ideologies.

Focusing on the developments and issues experienced in the United States, Wright Mills would present additional ideas to examine the role of large business entities and corporations. According to Bartonek and Wallenstein (2021), Mills has gained the title of the modern father and source of conflict theory as applicable in the world today. In his works, Mills is convinced that large companies encompass the elite in the wider society (Bartonek & Wallenstein, 2021). Such entities have found new ways to reshape the availability and distribution of the available resources and the manner in which people pursue their common aims. The theorists would go further to include politicians and the military in describing how these elites ruled and controlled the world.

The strengths and concepts of conflict theory have helped support the establishment of additional frameworks to help describe the nature of class struggles. For example, feminism and post-structural models have been resourceful towards guiding more people to pursue their goals in a competitive society. Queer theory has also emerged in the recent past to help describe the challenges and objectives of some of the individuals who have found themselves marginalized, such as LGBTs (Johnson & Otto, 2019). Although it emerged as a powerful model for describing class differences, this theory has become more pronounced and applicable to other forms of social disagreements. Scholars have applied it more effectively to describe most of the conflicts arising from national, religious, gender, cultural, and racial differences.

Critical Aspects of Conflict Theory

All conflict theories have unique attributes that make them applicable in any given society. Anser et al. (2020) indicate that such models identify competition as a common issue or constant existing in different communities. Human relationships, friendships, and interactions would be characterized by some form of rivalry. Those involved in any form of association would be focusing on the best approaches to maximize their gains and in a position to lead contended lives. Unfortunately, conflict theory would hypothesize that numerous challenges and disagreements would emerge as most of the individuals continue to pursue resources that are scarce in nature. Some of them would include minerals, commodities, land, and even money (Holgersen, 2020). During the process of trying to get such items, an imbalance might emerge that eventually affects the existing equilibrium. In most cases, those affected by emerging social conflicts would eventually trigger a crisis in an effort to attack the existing status quo.

In every social setting, groups and individuals would be in a constant struggle for some resources that might be tangible or intangible. Some of them could include intimate partners, social statuses, power or leadership, and leisure time. Specific individuals might be keen to engage in activities that could result in dominate. Based on this understanding, Anser et al. (2020) acknowledge that conflicts would always be directly linked to competition. The number of people who would be unwilling to cooperate tends to increase significantly. When the emerging tension is unmanageable, the affected people could revolt and affect the social norms and functions of their respective societies.

As modern conflict theorists hypothesize, the emergence of corporate entities has contributed significantly to the nature of challenges existing at the macro level. Most of these companies are associated with massive resources and financial power that reshape peoples overall experiences. To tackle this challenge, governments have been relying on the use of policies in an effort to reduce the overall level of conflicts. Some of the common measures include laws determining minimum wages, provision of social welfare resources, and distribution of public services (Nilsson, 2020). Unfortunately, such measures have not helped to address the nature of conflicts existing in different communities. The level of rivalry, therefore, remains a common feature individuals need to associate with in their respective societies.

Due to the forces arising from social conflicts, chances of recording revolutions and wars always remain high. Most of the theorists in this area reveal that changes would always occur. Such transformations would also be a result of the challenges and predicaments most of the people encounter in their societies. When different groups occupying diverse classes are in conflict, the possible effect could be abrupt and attract attention of more followers (Barakat & Fakih, 2021). This aspect could help describe the Arab Spring uprising recorded a few years ago (Barakat & Fakih, 2021). Such upheavals could be attributed to the challenges and misappropriation of resources in most of the Arabic countries. This analysis supports the fact that social revolutions would usually take place abruptly.

Theorists supporting the conflict model argue that power inequalities are usually common and capable of defining social structures and human relationships. Depending on the resources and support systems available to them, some groups could find it easier to amass power within a specified period. In any society, some people will find it easier to acquire more power and be in a position to control their counterparts. Depending on the social structures and policies in place, some populations might find it easier to acquire more resources. Those who are unable to achieve such goals will be unable to achieve upward social mobility (Hadjar & Samuel, 2019). In most cases, those in power who benefiting from the implemented systems would be keen to engage in actions that can help maintain such structures. During the same time, the underserved ones would be unhappy with such settings and remain in constant conflict.

Due to the nature of most of these problems, some of the individuals who find themselves disoriented and unhappy with their situations could find new ways to gain power. In this case, the victims could consider the attainment of resources and money as one of the best approaches towards gaining some form of control. Such people would, therefore, decide to engage in crime in an attempt to put food on the table (Hadjar & Samuel, 2019). Some offenses could also be intended to challenge the status quo or become a way of passing across the message of existing inequality. This kind of argument could help explain the origin and appropriateness of some of the common criminology theories (Anser et al., 2020). Professionals intending to analyze the nature of crime and other social predicaments could benefit significantly from the application and use of the conflict model.

As described earlier, conflict theory has found additional meaning in helping describe most of the social struggles experienced in different parts of the world today. For example, discrimination against women and their inability to achieve their social goals is a scenario that has led the feminist movement (Johnson & Otto, 2019). Such an initiative is intended to compel societies to start providing adequate resources and opportunities to women. Such an effort could make it easier for them to overcome most of their challenges and achieve their goals. The same approaches have emerged to help more oppressed members of the global community to find new ways of pursuing their goals, such as the disabled and heterosexual individuals (Johnson & Otto, 2019). Analysts and social activists have been relying on the ideas associated with conflict theory to attract and empower more disadvantaged people to focus on their rights.

These observations show conclusively that conflicts would always exist in communities. Such challenges could take any form or shape depending on the challenges most of the victims have to go through and the anticipated results. When the obstacles existing in a given community increases, chances are usually high that the individuals would be unable to record positive gains. Consequently, such individuals could stand up and compel those in power to address their demands. These attributes explain why Anser et al. (2020) are convinced that such challenges could trigger wars and upheavals within the shortest time possible. The occurrence of such predicaments could, therefore, help cleanse or make the affected societies more unified. The emerging setting increases chances for improved distribution of resources and empowerment.

Most conflict theorists hypothesize that the nature of wars and uprisings could help improve the emerging communities to bring an end to them completely. When upheavals emerge, class struggles tend to trigger increased tensions whereby races rise up against each other. In the societal settings, individuals with diversities might engage in prolonged fights that can eventually affect the overall integrity of the community. These realities could explain why leaders should be aware of the nature of social conflicts. The emergence of democracy and other systems of governance should be applied in such a way that they help minimize most of these class struggles. These attributes show conclusively that conflict theory is a macro-level model that helps analyze any given society from diverse perspectives (Johnson & Otto, 2019). The emerging insights could help address social challenges from different perspectives and make it possible for more citizens to achieve their aims.

Personal Views on Conflict Theory

Conflict theory has gained prominent in the world because it helps analyze different communities and how their members address the problems they have to go through. According to Anser et al. (2020), this model is plausible because it begins by viewing differences and inequalities as the primary source of upheavals. In any society, those who control the resources and have money would be keen to reinforce the recorded imbalances. They could rely on the established policies and forces of production to pursue their needs. The less fortunate would be engaging in actions that could make it easier for them to achieve their maximum potential. These attributes present conflict theory as one of the best frameworks for guiding people to learn more about societies and appreciating the major challenges they have to go through.

Just like Karl Marx hypothesized, most of the policies and legal frameworks the government put in place were intended to protect the goals and interests of the elite. These owners of production would be keen to oppress the less fortunate and ensure that they were involved in actions that would maximize their goals. The agreeable acknowledgement helps more people appreciate the nature of class struggles and how the working class was compelled to fight for equality. While Marxs model could be outdated, analysts would agree that it presents a powerful framework for modern theorists to analyze communities (Chikwado, 2017). Most of these scholars have found it easier to apply most of the viewpoints and match them with the emerging corporate world. Such efforts have made it possible for more people to appreciate most of the challenges they encounter today.

The adoption and application of conflict theory becomes a positive practice for learning more about companies and how they oppress workers. The framework guides analysts to appreciate the fact that the bourgeoisie has only transformed from wealthy individuals to corporations that have the potential to control power and factors of production (Barakat & Fakih, 2021). This assumption would also be applied at the international level to help learn more about the process of globalization. Scholars would understand how it has continued to worsen the experiences of workers and partners in different parts of the world.

Government leaders and policymakers have found conflict theory beneficial since it helps them analyze some of the problems different stakeholders face. Such observations have compelled them to identify and formulate progressive laws that can help protect the interests of all key stakeholders. Unfortunately, the involved players have continued to find ingenious ways to continue pursuing their goals. Conflict theorists have gone further to rely on the original attributes of the framework to explain how the wider society could address the challenges of environmental degradation (Anser et al., 2020). As Marx suggested, the existence of conflicts does mean a total threat to the stability of the society. These attributes explain why a collaborative approach could help more people to identify the unique challenges affecting their respective communities and consider evidence-based strategies to address them.

Having examined all the studied materials and attributes about this kind of theory, it is agreeable that it remains practical and capable of explaining a wide range of societal issues. For instance, the model is capable of detailing the nature of social unrests and how they emerge from the conflicts associated with scarce resources. The governments inability to support the overall wellbeing of all citizens becomes a problematic issue. This theory could help explain why some of the disoriented members of the society eventually decide to engage in criminal acts. The ultimate occurrence is that most of the affected communities would find it hard to record meaningful social mobility (Johnson & Otto, 2019). This explanation describes why some of the racial communities affected by inequalities continue to record a high number of criminals.

The government could, therefore, rely on these strong attributes of conflict theory to learn more about societal problems. The involved professionals would apply the model at a macro level to appreciate the nature of struggles and how they impact gender, economic, racial, and cultural relationships in any given community. The emerging insights would help the government formulate progressive policies that are intended to empower most of the affected individuals (Hadjar & Samuel, 2019). When done correctly, most of the citizens would find new ways to identify and address the common challenges they face. The mission to reduce most of the discrepancies and injustices, as described using the theory, would play a significant role towards supporting or improving the stability of the global society. Consequently, most of the beneficiaries would find new ways to acquire additional resources and eventually record social mobility.

Conclusion

Conflict theory is one of the models that help researchers learn and analyze the forces existing in a given community. Originating from the works of Karl Marx, this framework has helped more people appreciate the wars and revolutions that human beings have experienced in the past. Such a theory goes further to describe the origin of class struggles and how the poor or the oppressed engage in actions that have the potential to transform their experiences. This theory remains applicable in a wide range of areas to explain most of the issues occurring at the macro level. Government officials and policymakers should consider the unique attributes of conflict theory, apply them to examine social dynamics, and propose better laws to help minimize the recorded disagreements.

References

Anser, M. K., Yousaf, Z., Nassani, A. A., Alotaibi, S. M., Kabbani, A., & Zaman, K. (2020). Dynamic linkages between poverty, inequality, crime, and social expenditures in a panel of 16 countries: Twostep GMM estimates. Economic Structures, 9(1), 43-67. Web.

Barakat, Z., & Fakih, A. (2021). Determinants of the Arab Spring protests in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya: What have we learned? Social Sciences, 10(8), 282-296. Web.

Bartonek, A., & Wallenstein, S. (Eds.). (2021). Critical theory: Past, present, future. Södertörns University.

Chikwado, E. P. (2017). A critical analysis of Karl Marxs conception of society and individual. IJSAR Journal of Law and Applied Discipline, 4(3), 114-119. Web.

Hadjar, A., & Samuel, R. (2019). Does upward social mobility increase life satisfaction? A longitudinal analysis using British and Swiss panel data. Research in Social Stratification and Mobility, 39, 48-58. Web.

Holgersen, S. (2020). On spatial planning and Marxism: Looking back, going forward. Antipode, 52(3), 800-824. Web.

Johnson, C. P. G., & Otto, K. (2019). Better together: A model for women and LGBTQ equality in the workplace. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 272-288. Web.

Nilsson, M. (2020). Economic inequality, Marxist theory, and Swedish-language working-class literature. Studia Neophilologica, 92(2), 222-237. Web.

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