Author: Emily Jiang
Editors: Kevy Chen, Ethan Tai
Artist: Felicia Chen
Why does society have wars, discrimination, and poverty? Sociologists, who study human behavior, interactions, and societies, use social conflict theories to explain such events. This theory is based on the idea that society will forever be in conflict due to competition over limited resources. Karl Marx introduced this term during the 19th century to explain capitalist society and the conflicts that arose in history.
According to social conflict theory, society is filled with conflicting social groups competing for privileges. Social inequalities continue to be upheld due to individualistic desires, where the wealthy sit at the top of society and the poor remain at the bottom.
But what exactly are the causes of conflict? Institutions and social structures are the key causes. Social inequalities are formed through economic and political structures, leading to competition for opportunities and privileges. Those who come out on top use their power to maintain their advantage, forcing marginalized minorities to keep up with their lifestyle. As social inequality continues, the oppressed groups push for change, eventually leading to more conflict. A society where the rich grow richer and the poor become poorer seems unfair to anyone. When people are personally affected by this, they often take action to fight against the status quo, and revolutions arise.
Some examples of the social conflict theory are inequalities in gender and race, the public education system, the criminal justice system, and environmental conflicts. The Occupy Wall Street movement protested the massive wealth gap, where much of the money and power was held by one percent of the population. The rest suffer from racism against African American communities through redlining, systemic racism, and other social disadvantages. The Black Lives Matter movement shows how marginalized communities seek societal change. The #MeToo movement advocates for gender equality in a society where many systems are filled with patriarchal power structures. In the United States, different political groups and ideologies clash, sometimes violently, displaying power struggles within the government. The Standing Rock protest highlights the fight for control over natural resources and land rights, particularly among the Indigenous communities advocating for environmental justice.
Social conflict theory shows a different perspective on many issues in our society. It overlooks the complex relationships and experiences within and between social groups. Humans are not one-dimensional, and neglecting this could lead to future issues. To grow from past mistakes, we must learn about the history from which we came from. Looking further into social phenomena, we must consider different perspectives, as issues cannot be resolved without understanding every aspect of society.
Collective action is needed to change society, and steps must be taken to address the disparities that marginalized communities face. Education is always the first step, as ignorance can harm oppressed groups. Then, we must take action with diversified strategies. Though society may have many problems, inactivity only leads to more suffering. Conflict can lead to discrimination, war, and change. By understanding the causes of societal problems, we can address them through action and build a more just future.
Citations:
Hayes, Adam. “Conflict Theory Definition, Founder, and Examples.” Investopedia,
Investopedia, 31 July 2024, www.investopedia.com/terms/c/conflict-theory.asp.
Indeed Editorial Team. “The Conflict Theory of Education and How It Works .” Indeed,
Indeed , 3 Feb. 2023, www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/conflict-
Main, P. “Conflict Theory.” RSS, 15 June 2023, www.structural-learning.com/post/conflict-
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