Social Theory/Conflict Theory

Conflict Theory

Proponents of conflict theory argue that society is unstable cause of tension and conflicts. So, they take a serious view of fluctuation. Conflict Theory came from refutation of functional theory which think each parts of society have each fuctions. They criticize that functonal theory view the society too idealistic.

Proponents of conflict theory take conflict for granted. Furdermore, coflicts are regarded as important component of society. They think that sociey always has conflict, and we can advance through that.

According to this theory, uppers of society monopolize power and oppress the masses. Social problem caused by oppress and exploit of uppers. Each parts of society are competitive rather than cooperative.

There are two famous conflict theorist Ralf Dahrendorf and Lewis Coser. Dahrendorf think society always has conflict, and this conflict derive social change. Conflict between group formed by the authority relationship is the basic cause of social problem.

Coser explain conflict in structural functionalism. He argue that conflict in society reunite social structure. Finally, social inequality is solved and restore social order

However, conflict theory has been criticized because they can't watch society at large. And they can't suggest solutions which can solve social social conflict