Examining Theory: Sociological Approach
Examining Theory
Michael E. Wilson
CJA/314
April 13, 2015
Laminta Poe
Social conflict theory is a theory that encompasses that there are different social classes within any society. It is a paradigm in sociology that views society as an arena of inequalities that generates conflict and social change. The social conflict theory was developed by an 18th century German sociologist named Karl Marx. Marx was one of the first philosophers to develop a contention point of view on how society functions. The key elements with this perspective are that society is only designed to benefit a few at the expense of the majority and factors such as class race and sex are linked to social inequality. The conflict theory is only one of the three …show more content…
Society is governed by who is in control or who has the power. Power is defined by Merriam- Webster, as the ability of a person or organization that has a lot of control and influence over other people or organizations ("Power - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary," n.d.). Marx saw society as divided groups in competition for social and economic resources. From Marx point of view, social order was controlled by domination, placing the power in the hands of the ruling class or those with the greatest economic and or political statuses as the decision …show more content…
The renter pays the landlord an increasing amount of rent each month and in return the renter will never gain any value from the property (Social Conflict Theory, n.d). Another good example a corporate executive versus a mailroom clerk. Both are caught in possession of illegal narcotics. The executive is more likely to get a warning and get off lightly because he has the monetary and or social resources to keep it “hush-hush.” On the other hand the mail room clerk with the exact same charge is more likely to be punished to the full extent of the law and also face public humility as well as
Michael E. Wilson
CJA/314
April 13, 2015
Laminta Poe
Social conflict theory is a theory that encompasses that there are different social classes within any society. It is a paradigm in sociology that views society as an arena of inequalities that generates conflict and social change. The social conflict theory was developed by an 18th century German sociologist named Karl Marx. Marx was one of the first philosophers to develop a contention point of view on how society functions. The key elements with this perspective are that society is only designed to benefit a few at the expense of the majority and factors such as class race and sex are linked to social inequality. The conflict theory is only one of the three …show more content…
Society is governed by who is in control or who has the power. Power is defined by Merriam- Webster, as the ability of a person or organization that has a lot of control and influence over other people or organizations ("Power - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary," n.d.). Marx saw society as divided groups in competition for social and economic resources. From Marx point of view, social order was controlled by domination, placing the power in the hands of the ruling class or those with the greatest economic and or political statuses as the decision …show more content…
The renter pays the landlord an increasing amount of rent each month and in return the renter will never gain any value from the property (Social Conflict Theory, n.d). Another good example a corporate executive versus a mailroom clerk. Both are caught in possession of illegal narcotics. The executive is more likely to get a warning and get off lightly because he has the monetary and or social resources to keep it “hush-hush.” On the other hand the mail room clerk with the exact same charge is more likely to be punished to the full extent of the law and also face public humility as well as