Conflict Theory

2 Pages 594 Words

Conflict theory sociologists say that society is made up of groups that compete for scarce resources. It established that power and social inequality are main characteristics of society. Karl Marx is the founder of CT. He felt that the key to history is class struggle. Marx theorized that there were only two groups: the bourgeoisie or capitalists that control the means of production and the proletariat or working class who are a mass of exploited laborers. Later CT adherents proposed different class structures. Wright defined four classes (Capitalist, Petty Bourgeoisie, managers and workers). Gilbert & Kahl proposed 6 classes (Capitalist, upper middle, lower middle, working class, working poor, and under class). There are three determining factors in social class: wealth, power and prestige or respect. People generally rank very similar in all three dimensions.

Sutherland, a functional perspective sociologist, coined the term “white collar crime” to describe crimes committed by distinguished and high social status people during the course of their occupation. White-collar crime, also called crimes in the suites, costs the US more than twice that of crime in the streets. It occurs when privileged members of society encounter “opportunities” to better their financial position and disregard the needs of other members. This is example illustrates white-collar crime perfectly. Edwards used his contacts within his business and political networks to better his personal financial position.

C Wright Mills said that “power” or the ability to enforce your will despite resistance, is in the hands of few. He contradicted the ideology of equality and coined the term “power elite” to describe the few at the top of US society with the power to make the important decisions. To determine what groups are in conflict, first establish who has the power to enforce their desires on others. A governor could easily be perceived as...