Definition of a Conflict Theorist
Conflict theorists are often associated with Marxism. This is not completely without reason, since Karl Marx is seen as the father of conflict theory and there are many parallels between Marxism and conflict theory. But there are many things that conflict theorists say about society that is applicable outside Marxism.
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Sociology
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Sociology is the study of groups and societies. Naturally, sociologists are individuals who specialize in studying sociology. Sociologists often ask questions about social stratification and social change, such as advancements in technology and changes in political thought. They ask, "Despite everything that has changed, why do societies still consistently have wealthy and poor groups, haves and have-nots, mainstream and fringe?" To answer these questions, sociologists have come up with two opposing viewpoints: functionalism and conflict theory.
Functionalism vs. Conflict Theory
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Sociologists who follow the functionalist perspective claim that social classes exist because they serve a particular function. Looking at society in a very optimistic way, functionalists believe that society changes as the result of natural factors like population growth, and that social stratification is both natural and beneficial to society. In contrast, conflict theorists see social change and stratification as the result of struggles between different groups for power.
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Definition
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Conflict theorists take on the sociological perspective that class struggles lead to the development of new political ideas. The representative democracy, for example, is seen as a result of struggles between those in power and those who wish to have control over their own lives. Conflict theory starts to sound a lot like Marxism, and some consider Karl Marx its founder.
Conflict Theory and Marxism
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While conflict theorists believe that social change and social classes originate from conflict, Marxists take this belief one step further by advocating public ownership of all goods. Under Marxism, private ownership should be abolished. The belief is that abolishing private ownership would end recessions, as recessions are caused by the the working class being prevented from consuming what they produce due to limited wages.
Non-Marxist Conflict Theorist
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Conflict theorists are not always Marxist, though most Marxists are conflict theorists. Conflict theory only attempts to describe what is occurring in the world, while Marxists actually try to prescribe a method of action.
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