Conflict Theory Essay

A. What is encounter Theory?Farley (200073) con campaigns that meshing scheme arose primarily from the work of Marx and was continued in the work of C W expert mill intimately and Ralf Dahrandorf. The general underlying assumption associated with conflict theory is that alliance is make up of collections with competing ego-inte lights. Often the competing classifys lose inadequate power. People compete for resources that be in just supply. Generally, the resources that be in short supply bring wealth and power. employment theory generally consists of the following four points.1. Conflict Built into SocietySocieties naturally tend toward conflict. This occurs be catch wealth and power ar distributed unequally on that pointfore, dissentent genial still radicals receive different and conflicting interests (Farley, 200073).2. maven sort out Be draws DominantBecause competing interest groups flip unequal power, one group usually becomes predominate. The ascendant group therefore uses its power to control approximately or all other aspects of the social structure. The prevalent group scum bag ensure that hostelry operates in a flair that serves the interests of the prevalent group. As a result the dominant group controls a vastly disproportionate shargon of scarce resources such as wealth and social placement (Farley, 200073-74).3. Consensus is ArtificialWhen a consensus appears in a society, it is usually artificial and is marvellous to persist over the long run. A Functionalist susceptibility argue that consensus is infallible and is, therefore, automatically something desired by all concerned. The conflict theorist contends that a consensus in a society is either based on coercion and/or repression by the dominant group.4. Conflict in Society is loveableConflict is desirable because it makes possible social change which may slip away to much equitable distribution of wealth and power (Farley, 200074).5. IdeologyA central a ssumption of bolshie theory is that the distribution of wealth byand large determines other aspects of society, such as the political system of rules and the char manageeristics of tillage. This includes the norms, value, and beliefs of the acculturation. The norms, determine, and beliefs of the civilisation argon such that they legitimize the control of wealth. E preciseone, the rich and scant(p) alike, get into the cultural beliefs as just and correct. A nonher term for these beliefs is IDEOLOGY. Marx, however, argued that beliefs in the dominant political orientation is not in the interest of the surmount group. Marx referred to the pattern of the subordinate groups acceptance of an ideology that goes against its own self interest as false-consciousness.a. False ConsciousnessA consensus advise likewise be bring home the bacond when a minority group accepts an ideology that is not in its self interest. This is false consciousness. It can occur because the dominant gro up exerts disproportionate control over the sources of influence and public opinion. It world power also come about because the dominant group, through sheer power and world power, can cause an atmosphere where the subordinate group feels that resistance is futile. In either case, the unvarnished consensus is fundamentally unstable and is not likely to persist over eon (Farley, 200074).b. Class ConsciousnessRacism can yet be dealt with by changing the institutions that atomic number 18 the source of racism. Marx called upon the oppressed to realize how dominant ideology serves to oppress the subordinate group. Arrival at this visualizeing is called class-consciousness.B. MarxKarl Marxs belles-lettres on class conflict, differing class interests, the ownership and control of the authority of production, and the ontogeny by one class over the other were precursors to the development of conflict theory. Marx saw class and class conflict as the moving forces in history. A dom inant class owns the way of production and exploits other classes. It is then in the interests of the reign classes to overthrow those in positions of dominance and to establish a social order more favorable to their interests (Kitano, 198542) (also set Farley, 200074-75).C. C Wright mill and the Role of Intellectuals in Society Only when mind has an autonomous basis, single-handed of power, but powerfully related to it, canmind exert its force in the shaping of human affairs. This is democratically possible only when there pull rounds a free and knowledgeable public, to which mess of knowledge may manage themselves, and to which large number of power are truly responsible (C Wright Mills, 1956) V.A comparability of Functionalism and Conflict TheoryBoth perspectives can be viewed as ii faces of the aforesaid(prenominal) society. For example, one of the basic problems facing a nonwhite individual(a) in the functional model is that of high alienation and loss of identity o perator. However, racial conflict, with its ideological apparatus and action system, functions to salve alienation and to facilitate an ethnicalal identity. Group solidarity is enhanced, group boundaries are clarified, and the linkage between the individual and the group is built through personal commitment and social action. In time, the group identity can be extended to the larger system through intercourse the individual is exposed to larger social networks and to national core values (Kitano, 198543). Farley (200075-76) provides two observations regarding the nexus between conflict and functionalist theory. He contends that a deductive reasoning of the two theories is possible.A. Both Theories are Partially CorrectSociety powerfulness operate according to both perspectives. Order and stability might exist in the presence of extreme income distinction. It is possible, for example, that a given institution might serve to make society efficient while at the same time servin g the interests of the dominant elite group.B. Societies Go through Cycles of Stability and ConflictSocieties go through cycles of stability and conflict. Under different circumstances, people coiffure differently. At one point in time a society may be stable and orderly, where minorities are able to get forrad through hard work. At another point, however, society might be characterized by disorder and conflict where minorities might advance only via defy and rebellion (Farley, 200086).VI. The kind Structural Perspective and Social ProblemsFunctionalist and conflict people tend to disagree on two basic elements. Onerevolves nigh the definition of the social problem. The other is the location of the problem (Farley, 200076).A. The Definition of Social ProblemsWhat is con perspectivered a social problem? It is human reaction that makes something a problem.1. FunctionalistFor a functionalist, any thing is a problem if it threatens the smooth and efficient zip of society. Conflict of most kinds is seen as problematic because conflict threatens consensus. Conflict can potentially have serious consequences if it causes the disruption of society.2. Conflict TheoryFor a conflict theorist, on the other hand, social problems include things like privation and racism and, more generally, the inequitable distribution of wealth and other scarce resources (Farley, 200077).B. The Location of Social ProblemsWhere do the two perspectives place the source of social problems (Farley, 200077-78)?1. FunctionalistThe cause of social problems for a functionalist lies predominantly in the characteristics of the single out group. For example, functionalist might argue that a minority group lacks the requirement skills that would yield the great rewards in society. Or, perhaps the group in question has a goal that is incompatible with the dominant kitchen-gardening. In either case, the burden of change is lay mostly on the disadvantaged group.2. Conflict TheoryConflict theo rists see the source of social problems as being embedded in the exploitive behavior of the dominant group. It is assumed from the conflict perspective that if someone or some group is suffering or placed in a disadvantageous position, there must be some other group (that is more powerful) that benefits from the misery of the disadvantaged group (Farley, 200077-78).VII. The Social Structural Perspectivesand Majority-nonage dealingEthnic social stratification refers to a system that distributes scarce resources on an unequal basis according to race and ethnicity (200079).A. Functionalist Theories about Majority/Minority dealingA paradox of sorts exists for the functionalists. Inequality, they argue, is desirable in society because it ensures that the most subordinate people will get the most essential jobs in a society. On the other hand, functionalists contend that ethnic disparity has the potential to cause serious disruption of society (Farley, 200078-79).1. InequalityFuncti onalist would argue that inequality is obligatory in order to create inducings. Some jobs are more necessary than others. They also require more training. To ensure that these jobs are filled by competent individuals, they have to provide more greater rewards.2. Is Ethnic stratification Necessary?A functionalist might argue that the stratification must take some kind of societal need. The problem is that, while a society might need to be stratified (in order to ensure important jobs are filled, etc.), it is not at all clear why ethnic stratification is functional.3. Ethnocentrism The Source of Ethnic StratificationIn order to understand ethnic stratification, one has to understand ethnocentrism, according to the functionalists (Farley, 200080).a. Societys lease for ConsensusFunctionalist would argue that ethnocentrism in moderation is functional for a society. The explanation for this lies in societys need for consensus and to have a shared identity. The only way a society can cooperate is when it shares basic values. Ethnocentrism contributes to this in several ways.b. Ethnic Stratification An Unfortunate By-productAn unfortunate side effect is that aggression might be also directed against an ethnic minority within the society.4. The Elimination of Ethnic StratificationThe methods advocated by functionalists to lower the effects of ethnocentrism is to Reduce the cultural differences between the absolute majority and minority group Eliminate legal and other barriers set up by the dominant group which excludes minorities. Ensure that the minority groupsdevelop skills that would allow them to participate in a society. This approach leads to assimilation, which is the process whereby minorities are fully integrated into the system and becomes culturally similar to the majority group. (Farley, 200080).B. Conflict Theories about Majority/Minority RelationsThe conflict theories tend to see majority minority relationships as a matter of domination and exploit ation. The conflict perspective is, in essence, a critique of functionalism. Many argue that functionalism is merely a justification for inequality (Farley, 200081).1. Ethnic Stratification Not an Unfortunate By-productEthnic stratification exists because it serves the interests of the dominant elite. It occurs because of the exploitative nature of the majority group as a whole or because of the exploitative nature of a wealthy elite within the majority group (Farley, 200083).2. Inequality is Inherited, Not EarnedThe fatality of stratification for productive purposes is also called into question. Stratification cannot act as an incentive because inequality is inherited, not earned. In order for inequality to work the way the functionalist claim, there would have to be free mobility between generations. ExampleThe lady friend of a share cropper, who is very bright, should have the same chance of fair a medical doctor as anyone else.3. Planned ShortagesIt is also argued that the sho rtages establish in highly demanding jobs often exist because professional organizations restrict entering into the profession not because there is a shortage of qualified people (Farley, 200083). C. Varieties of Conflict Theory in Race and Ethnic Relations1. Marxist TheoriesFarley (200085) contends that Marxists see inequality as being based mainly on class. There are two those who own the means of production and the rest of society who works for wages. Marxist see racism as a mechanism that keeps the working class from recognizing their own interests. It divides workers.While minorities fight with from each one other, wages remain low and profits remain high. Marxists imagine that workers would be best serves by arrangeting aside their racial and ethnic differences and to act on their common class interests.2. Split Labor grocery store TheoriesSplit-Labor Market Theory argues that there are three classes There owners of the means of production, higher(prenominal) paid labo rers and lower paid laborers. The owners are kindle in acquiring the best workers for the lowest wage. The higher paid workers, on the other hand, are trying to protect their jobs from competition from lower paid workers. One means the higher-paid workers use to protect their interests is to discriminate against lower-paid ethnic workers (Farley, 200085).3. Internal ColonialismInternal colonialism theory argues that societal inequality as largely racial and ethnic (Farley, 200085). The dominant racial or ethnic group establishes a system of inequality for the benefit of the dominant racial or ethnic group. The oppressed (Blacks, Mexicans, indigen Americans) are involuntarily brought under the rule of the dominant group. Internal colonialism argues that the dominant group promotes a racist ideology, it attacks the culture of the people who are dominated. It isolates the dominated from mainstream labor markets. The dominant group rationalizes exploitation through myths of the cultur al inferiority of the oppressed.VIII. socialization of beggaryOscar Lewis, author of La Vita (1965), coined the term refinement of leanness (also see Edward C. Banfield, The Unheavenly City Revisited, 1974). The essence of market-gardening of scantiness theory holds that brusk people share deviant cultural characteristics. The pathetic have lifestyles that differ from the rest of society and that these characteristics perpetuate their life of meagreness. According to the shade of Poverty thesis (in Eitzen and Baca-Zinn, 1994173) the pitiful are qualitatively different in values and that these cultural differences explain continued scantiness. The Culture of Poverty Theory is a functionalist theory. Eitzen and Baca-Zinn (1994173) maintain that there is a strong implication embedded in the Culture of Poverty that defects in the lifestyle of the miserable cultural deprivation perpetuate want. such(prenominal) defects are passed from one generation to the next.Under these circumstances it is extremely sticky for people, once trapped by the Culture of Poverty, to escape poverty. Characteristics that typify the Culture of Poverty exist across a variety of racial and ethnic groups. While these characteristics (see below) are certainly present in poverty populations, Culture of Poverty Theory leaves the impression that they typify all poor people. THAT IS A FALLACY The following characteristics typify the culture of poverty. Some may be accurate in some settings. Some may have had instructive powers a few decades ago, but today are no longstanding accurate. Some are contradictory. They all tend to present negative connotations. any are highly stereotypical.Characteristics of the Culture of Poverty1. Parents are more bailable in raising their children. They are less verbal with their children. Family-heads display a strong disposition toward authoritarianism. 2. Children raised in poverty also have drastically different orientations in life when comp ared to middle-class children. There is an absence seizure of childhood. Children experience an early initiation to sex. 3. Families often form based upon free unions or consensual hymeneals. This partially explains the trend toward female-headed homes. 4. The poor are more fatalistic. One might expect that a poor person would believe the following idea What will be will be and I cant change it. 5. The poor are less tending(p) to defer gratification. Banfield argues that the essence of the poor subculture is its present-time orientation. He asserts that the poor do not know how to defer gratification (see Eitzen and Baca-Zinn, 1994173). 6. The poor are less interested in formal education.Source Eitzen and Baca-Zinn, 1994, and Farley, 1988The Culture of Poverty theory argues that the characteristics presented supra enable the poor to adapt to poverty. For example, the lack of childhood happens because sometimes poor children have to begin working at an early age. Moreover, poor chi ldren have to hustle to survive. There is no time to be unexampled. To act young is a sign of weakness. The absences of privacy and competition for limited goods are self-explanatory characteristics of poverty. Perhaps the strong disposition toward authoritarianism is necessarybecause of the hard choices that poverty provides.A. The Moynihan accountingThe Culture of Poverty is a functionalist approach to poverty. It assumes a right or correct culture and a deviant culture. The poor are poor and are likely to remain poor because their culture deviates from the norm. The Moynihan Report (1965) is an example of a study that (perhaps inadvertently) borrows aspects of the Culture of Poverty to explain Afro-American poverty. Its goal was to explain continued poverty in the 1960s. The Moynihan Study accurately pointed out that much of the poverty associated with the Black community was due to a history of slavery and economic oppression (unemployment). It also called attention to the i ndispensableness of altering ones lifestyle as a means to cope with poverty. Moynihan, however, ultimately came to concentrate on the characteristics of the Black family that required changing, kind of than the system of oppression that needed changing.B. A Critique of the Moynihan Report and the Culture of Poverty1. It Blames the victimThe most important criticism of the report is that it put the blame for poverty on the victim. Blaming the victim places the burden of change on the victim and removes it from society. From the Culture of Poverty perspective, poverty is viewed as the fault of the poor in that, their culture, not social injustice, causes and perpetuates poverty. The implied assumption is that until the poor changes their culture, no bill of government intervention will solve the problem of poverty.2. Negative dialect on Female-headed FamiliesAnother objection to the Culture of Poverty thesis revolves about the negative emphasis placed upon female-headed families. F emale-headed families do not ensure a life of poverty. Children of single-parent family perform well in school. They do not have greater problems with mental health. Poverty, of course, affects both. Poverty, not single-parenting, generates social problems like illiteracy and crime, not single-parenting. Furthermore, single-parent are usually women and women are placed in economically disadvantaged positions due to the structure of the economy that pays women only 68 percent the hire that it pays men. THIS IS NOTCULTURAL. Its SYSTEMIC.3. The Attack on DivorceThere appears, imbedded in culture of poverty theory, an attack on divorce. There is no try that divorce, itself, causes poverty. Sometimes divorce can lead to better social adjustment. Since 1957, as the number of divorces has risen, the percentage of people saying they are happy with their marriage has also risen from 67 percent to 80 percent (footnote deficient). People who way on the problems associated with single-paren t families also forget the positive furbish up of the extended family. The extended family supports single-parent families by providing grandparents, aunts, and even friends.4. Most Black Families are Not PoorOther problems with the Moynihan Report pertain to the implied image that the majority of Black families are typically broken homes. The poverty rate for Blacks is about 30 percent. That means that 70 percent of Black families are higher up the poverty line. Furthermore, while focusing on the characteristics of the Black family, the Moynihan Report does not attack aspects of the social structure that put one group at a disadvantage when compared to another. With the Black family, the disadvantage flows from historically based diversity (which included forced breakups of families while under slavery), high levels of unemployment, and welfare laws that win one parent families.5. Poor People Do Not concord Radically Different LifestylesFinally, the culture of poverty contains the assumption that families living in poverty have radically different outlooks than middle-class families. Elliot Liebow in road Corner Man (as referenced in Eitzen and Baca-Zinn, 1994173) suggests that most poor people, in fact, attempt to live by societys values. Their struggle is disappointed by externally imposed give wayures. Most people who are poor would prefer to escape poverty via a good job. Good jobs that poor people are eligible for are rare. Liebow suggests that the characteristics associated with the culture of poverty are those that appear when individuals try to achieve goals defined by society, but who fail to achieve societys goals because society has not provided means to achieve those goals. These are the proverbial blocked opportunities.6. One-Way Adaptation?Culture of Poverty proponents argue that the poor adapt to a lifestyle which allows them to deal with poverty. They tend to assume that one these lifestyles have been adopted, they become institutional ized with poor culture making it very difficult fort the poor to escape the culture of poverty. One might ask that if it is so easy to adopt to poverty lifestyles, that it might be just as easy to adopt to a middle class lifestyle one that lifestyle is provided. C. Concluding Observations Concerning the Culture of Poverty In short, rather than blaming the victim for his or her biology or for his or her culture, public policy planners might more appropriately focus their attention on the economic characteristics of society. The United States is one of the richest countries on earth. simultaneously it has the greatest levels of inequality in the First World. Social structure, not genetics or culture causes poverty. Solutions to poverty are political. In 1973 after LBJs War on Poverty the poverty rate fell to an all-time low. One might look to other First-World counties for inspiration. Scandinavian counties, for example, have very low levels of poverty and they are culturally diverse .IX. Culture of Poverty and wellbeing PolicyFarley (200091-92) argues that this debate is directly relevant to welfare policy in the United States. Remember your perspective of the source of the problem influences how you perceive solutionsA. The Functionalist PerspectivesFrom the functionalist court comes a positive and negative viewpoint. Both points of view see the existence of poverty as being related to family structure.1. MoynihanMoynihan argues that the existence of single parent is a major cause of poverty. He contends that government programs are necessary to alleviate poverty in these homes.2. MurrayMurray, on the other hand believes that welfare makes it possible for people to survive poverty without working. He argues that welfare support reinforces the culture of poverty.B. The Conflict PerspectiveConflict theorists are skeptical of both points of view. quite a than structure being the source of poverty, structural problems, like the concentration of the poor in inner cities, is the source of poverty. While functionalist desire to rehabilitate the individual that is poor, conflict theory advocates structural solutions like job creation in inner city neighborhoods.