University of Bamenda
Department of Communication and development studies
CADA5101: Sociology of Development
Year 2021/2022
Course instructors: Prof. AKOKO Robert, Dr. ENJOH/Madam Maghah
Lecture Note Six
Conflict Theory
Definition:
Conflict Theory is a macro approach that examines the role that power plays in society and how
it can be used to have control over others. Conflict theory argues that society, individuals, and
groups within social confines interact with one another not on the basis of consensus but on
conflict. More specifically, it claims that the society is consistently in a state of conflict,
especially when there is unequal distribution of resources or competition for the available
resources. Karl Marx: 1818-1883. Marx observed power structures in society. He saw the
distribution of power as being top heavy; that is, power was tightly controlled by the few
individuals at the top who had money and influence. They constructed society to keep
themselves in power and to minimize the influence of the masses, creating class conflict.
Key Concepts:
Society is organized into two groups: those with and those without power.
Those with the most power have the most wealth, prestige, and privileges, and therefore
are able to limit the less powerful. Exploitation can result.
There is constant tension between the classes of society. Conflict theorists ask for whom
is society functioning? For whom is it not?
Society is constantly experiencing change due to competition over resources, as observed
during the Industrial Revolution, where the small number of wealthy factory and business
owners were referred to as the bourgeoisie. The working class were known as the
proletariat. Because they did not have wealth nor power, the proletariat were really at the
mercy of the bourgeoisie who were maintaining their own position of power
How does Conflict Theory Work?
Per conflict theory, there are various forms of conflict that stem from the bid of different groups
in a society to gratify their desires.
For example, all groups in society have different goals and levels of resources they want to
attain, thereby causing conflict among the groups.
Different areas and discussions where the conflict theory is used include wealth and poverty,
distribution and non-distribution of resources (material and non-material), power, revolutions
and others.
Karl Marx and some other theorists believe that conflict is a driving force for change, revolution
improvement, and development in the society
Primary Assumptions of Conflict Theory
The conflict theory rests its tenets on four assumptions which are revolution, competition,
structural inequality and war. According to theorists, every conflict can be caused by any of
these factors and also have any of them as an outcome.
For better understanding, the four basic assumptions are explained below:
Competition
Competition is an important concept in conflict theory, in fact, conflict often occur as a result of
competition. For instance, if resources are not sufficient for individuals living in a community, it
leads to scarcity, therefore competition for the available resources. People can compete for real
estate properties, lands, money, material resources, among others. For proponents of the conflict
theory, societies operate based on competition and not cooperation.
Structural Inequality
Inequality occur in diverse layers of the economy, even at the structural level. Structural
inequality occurs when some set of people are placed higher than the others. When the structure
of a society benefits specific individuals at the detriment of other people in the society, it is
structural inequality. When some individuals in a society have more power, wealth and influence
than others, structural inequality occurs.
Revolution
It is assumed that a conflict can result to revolution, it is one of the effects when conflicts occur
between two groups. In most situations, the revolution is not gradual, rather eruptive and occurs
abruptly.
War
When talking about war, conflict theories are of the opinion that sustained or prolonged conflicts
between social classes or groups in a society lead to war. When war happens, it cleanses the
society and acts as a unifier. Despite that war cleanses a society, some fragments of conflicts still
exist. Another effect of war is that it can create division in the society.
