What are the basic premises of conflict theory?
What are the basic premises of conflict theory?
The basic premise of conflict theory is that individuals and groups in society struggle to maximize their share of the limited resources that exist and are desired by humans. Given that there are limited resources, the struggle inevitably leads to conflict and competition.
How does conflict theory explain education?
The conflict perspective emphasizes that education reinforces inequality in the larger society. The symbolic interactionist perspective focuses on social interaction in the classroom, on school playgrounds, and at other school-related venues.
How does conflict theory explain discrimination?
Conflict theory holds that law and the mechanisms of its enforcement are used by dominant groups in society to minimize threats to their interests posed by those whom they label as dangerous, especially minorities and the poor. Racial profiling has become an issue of significance in the past several years.
What are conflict theories in sociology?
Conflict theories are theories that see society as being made up of two or more groups with competing and incompatible interests. The two main conflict theories that we study in sociology are Marxism and feminism which see society divided by social class and gender respectively.
How does conflict theory explain deviance?
In conflict theory, deviant behaviors are actions that do not comply with social institutions. The institution’s ability to change norms, wealth, or status comes into conflict with the individual. The legal rights of poor folks might be ignored, while the middle class side with the elites rather than the poor.
Why is conflict theory important to a teacher?
Conflict theorists pose questions that allow them to better understand social situations and the effects of power dynamics. These questions are important in learning about the consequences of conflict, especially as they affect school systems and classrooms.
How does conflict theory explain the roles and functions of families?
According to conflict theorists, the family works toward the continuance of social inequality within a society by maintaining and reinforcing the status quo. Through inheritance, the wealthy families are able to keep their privileged social position for their members.
How does conflict theory explain inequality?
Conflict theory poses that economic inequality is detrimental to society because it creates a system of winners and losers. This theory sees the disparity as being a powerful group dominating over a weaker group of society.
What does conflict theory view as the main cause of crime?
Conflict theory looks to social and economic factors as the causes of crime and deviance. Unlike functionalists, conflict theorists don’t see these factors as positive functions of society. They see them as evidence of inequality in the system.
How can we apply the conflict theory in the classroom?
When applying the conflict theory to education, you can analyze the groups that exist within the setting you’re applying it to. By identifying the various social groups, whether you recognize these groups by their socioeconomic status, race or gender, you can form theories about the conflict that exists among them.