What are the basic elements of the conflict perspective?

Table of Contents:

1. What are the basic elements of the conflict perspective?
2. What are the basic elements of functionalist perspective?
3. What is the difference between consensus and conflict theory?
4. What is the basic principle of consensus theory?
5. What is an example of consensus theory?
6. Is Marxism a consensus or conflict theory?
7. Is Marxism a macro or micro theory?

What are the basic elements of the conflict perspective?

Key Points

• Conflict theory sees social life as a competition, and focuses on the distribution of resources, power, and inequality.
• Unlike functionalist theory, conflict theory is better at explaining social change, and weaker at explaining social stability.

What are the basic elements of functionalist perspective?

Functionalism addresses society as a whole in terms of the function of its constituent elements, namely: norms, customs, traditions, and institutions. A common analogy, popularized by Herbert Spencer, presents these parts of society as “organs” that work toward the proper functioning of the “body” as a whole.

What is the difference between consensus and conflict theory?

Consensus theory seeks to determine what all people in a society have in common. ... Conflict theory, on the other hand, seeks to determine who, why and how those with power have imposed specific aspects of culture on a society.

What is the basic principle of consensus theory?

A generic term for sociological theories positing the core principle of social life as consensus, and seeing common experiences, interests, and values as the defining characteristic of a population or a society. ... In sociological debates, consensus theory has been seen as in opposition to conflict theory.

What is an example of consensus theory?

Consensus Theory sees crime as a result of social institutions losing control over individuals. ... The blame for crime lies with weak institutions and their agents. For example, single parent families and 'absent dads' are accused of lacking control over their children, as are unstable families.

Is Marxism a consensus or conflict theory?

A consensus theory is a theory which argues that there is general agreement in society over what is considered right and wrong and what it is important. A conflict theory is a theory which regards society as based on inequality and conflict. ... One example of a conflict theory is Marxism.

Is Marxism a macro or micro theory?

Macro theories are large scale theories – what postmodernists call grand narratives – about society. They are structural theories such as functionalism and Marxism. They contrast with micro theories (action theories).