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Conflict Theory – Assumptions of Conflict Theory | Fundamentals of Sociology

Conflict Theory

Conflict Theory was elaborated in the United Kingdom by Max Gluckman and John Rax. Likewise, the theory was further elaborated by Lewis A. Coser and Randoll Collins in the US; and  Ralph Dahrendorf in Germany. They are less influenced by Karl Marx,  Pareto, George Simmel, and Ludwing. There are many varieties of conflict within sociology. Despite the differences, all have a model of society as a whole and all adopt a structural approach.

Furthermore, all conflict perspective uses the notion that there are groups in society that have a difference in interest. In this respect, they believe that social arrangement will tend to benefit some groups of experts. Because of the existence of different interests, the potential for and likelihood hood conflict is always present. Different group persuading their separate interest are likely to clash and produce some degree of instability in society. It focuses on the existence of competing groups.

Assumptions of Conflict Theory

Social relationships and institutions are shaped by conflict theory, which is a sociological perspective. Assuming that power dynamics and resource distribution form the basis of conflict, and that coercion often maintains these structures, it assumes that social structures drive conflict. Conflict theory is based on the following assumptions:

Competition

Competition is one of the major assumptions of the conflict perspective. Completion of rare resources like wealth, leisure, prizes, etc is the heart of a social relationship. Competition rather than consensus or solidarity is the characteristic of human relationships.

Structural Inequality

Inequality in term of power and rewards are built into the social structure. Individuals and groups benefited from any particular structure and strive to maintain it. It causes conflict.

Revolution

It holds that social change is possible through the only revolution. Change occurs as a result of conflict between social classes, competing for interest rather than adaptation. It is often abrupt and revolutionary rather than evolutionary.

War

War is a unifier of society but sometimes it may be set as an end of a whole society. For Karl Marx, the conflict arises because the value of every aspect is the result of human labor. According to Marx, capitalist exploits the workers for their benefit and do not share the fruits to the labor equally.

Conflict Theory Quiz (MCQs)

What is the main focus of conflict theory?

a. The maintenance of social order
b. The resolution of conflicts
c. The creation and perpetuation of social inequality
d. The promotion of cooperation and harmony
Answer: c. The creation and perpetuation of social inequality

Who is credited with developing conflict theory?

a. Karl Marx
b. Max Weber
c. Emile Durkheim
d. Sigmund Freud
Answer: a. Karl Marx

Which of the following is NOT a key concept in conflict theory?

a. Power
b. Class struggle
c. Capital
d. Social solidarity

Answer: d. Social solidarity

According to conflict theory, what is the main reason for social conflict?

a. Competition for resources
b. Different values and beliefs
c. Personality differences
d. Disagreements over goals and objectives
Answer: a. Competition for resources

In conflict theory, who are the oppressors and who are the oppressed?

a. The oppressors are the ruling class, and the oppressed are the working class
b. The oppressors are the working class, and the oppressed are the ruling class
c. The oppressors are the rich, and the oppressed are the poor
d. The oppressors are the poor, and the oppressed are the rich
Answer: a. The oppressors are the ruling class, and the oppressed are the working class

How does conflict theory view social change?

a. As a gradual and peaceful process
b. As a violent and disruptive process
c. As an inevitable and natural process
d. As a controlled and planned process
Answer: b. As a violent and disruptive process

Which of the following is NOT a key element of conflict theory?

a. Power relations
b. Social institutions
c. Culture
d. Personal relationships
Answer: d. Personal relationships

According to conflict theory, what is the main role of the state?

a. To protect the interests of the ruling class
b. To promote the common good
c. To mediate conflicts between different groups
d. To provide services and benefits to all citizens

Answer: a. To protect the interests of the ruling class

How does conflict theory view social order?

a. As a natural and spontaneous process
b. As a result of shared values and beliefs
c. As a product of power relations and domination
d. As a result of cooperation and collaboration
Answer: c. As a product of power relations and domination

Which of the following is NOT a key factor that influences social conflict according to conflict theory?

a. Economic systems
b. Political systems
c. Personal relationships
d. Cultural systems
Answer: c. Personal relationships

How does conflict theory view social institutions?

a. As neutral and unbiased
b. As sources of stability and order
c. As instruments of oppression and domination
d. As sources of conflict and tension
Answer: c. As instruments of oppression and domination

According to conflict theory, what is the main function of social institutions?

a. To provide services and benefits to all members of society
b. To promote social cohesion and integration
c. To maintain the status quo and protect the interests of the ruling class
d. To facilitate cooperation and collaboration between different groups
Answer: c. To maintain the status quo and protect the interests of the ruling class

How does conflict theory view power relations?

a. As a natural and uncontroversial aspect of social life
b. As a neutral and unbiased force
c. As a source of conflict and tension
d. As a means of promoting social harmony and cooperation

Answer: c. As a source of conflict and tension

According to conflict theory, how do power relations influence social institutions?

a. They create a level playing field for all members of society
b. They promote fairness and equality
c. They reinforce the dominance of certain groups over others
d. They facilitate cooperation and collaboration between different groups
Answer: c. They reinforce the dominance of certain groups over others

In conflict theory, what is the main role of culture?

a. To promote social cohesion and integration
b. To provide shared values and beliefs
c. To reinforce power relations and domination
d. To facilitate cooperation and collaboration between different groups
Answer: c. To reinforce power relations and domination

How does conflict theory view cultural systems?

a. As neutral and unbiased
b. As sources of stability and order
c. As instruments of oppression and domination
d. As sources of conflict and tension
Answer: c. As instruments of oppression and domination

According to conflict theory, what is the main function of cultural systems?

a. To provide shared values and beliefs for all members of society
b. To promote social cohesion and integration
c. To maintain the status quo and protect the interests of the ruling class
d. To facilitate cooperation and collaboration between different groups
Answer: c. To maintain the status quo and protect the interests of the ruling class

How does conflict theory view economic systems?

a. As neutral and unbiased
b. As sources of stability and order
c. As instruments of oppression and domination
d. As sources of conflict and tension
Answer: c. As instruments of oppression and domination

According to conflict theory, what is the main function of economic systems?

a. To provide resources and opportunities for all members of society
b. To promote social cohesion and integration
c. To maintain the status quo and protect the interests of the ruling class
d. To facilitate cooperation and collaboration between different groups
Answer: c. To maintain the status quo and protect the interests of the ruling class

How does conflict theory view political systems?

a. As neutral and unbiased
b. As sources of stability and order
c. As instruments of oppression and domination
d. As sources of conflict and tension
Answer: c. As instruments of oppression and domination

According to conflict theory, what is the main function of political systems?

a. To provide representation and democracy for all members of society
b. To promote social cohesion and integration
c. To maintain the status quo and protect the interests of the ruling class
d. To facilitate cooperation and collaboration between different groups
Answer: c. To maintain the status quo and protect the interests of the ruling class

How does conflict theory view social inequality?

a. As a natural and inevitable aspect of social life
b. As a problem that needs to be addressed
c. As a source of conflict and tension
d. As a necessary component of social order
Answer: c. As a source of conflict and tension

According to conflict theory, what is the main cause of social inequality?

a. Different values and beliefs
b. Personality differences
c. Competition for resources
d. Power relations and domination
Answer: d. Power relations and domination

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