What is a paradigm?A set of assumptions, theories and/or perspectives the help us understand social reality.

A Way of Thinking

Three Main Sociological Paradigms:1. Functionalism2. Conflict Theory3. Symbolic Interaction

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Let’s look at Conflict Theory

Conflict Theorists: Karl Marx (1818–1883)Believed that capitalism breeds conflict between the rich and the poor W. E. B. Du Bois (1868–1963)Believed that social equality is impossible to achieve in corrupt social systems C. Wright Mills (1916 – 1962)Looked at structure and power in society. Coined the term “sociological imagination”

Conflict Theory

■ There are struggles between different groups, as people compete for scarce resources.

■ Inequality creates conflict.

■ Problems with power and authority over people with less power.

Main Concepts of Conflict Theory

Society maintains order through coercion.

Coercion can be forced such as a dictatorship or military gov’t. (Example: Saddam Hussein)

But coercion can also be more subtle through laws, regulations, and institutions.

These institutions reinforce inequality (Example: Rosa Parks).

Inequality creates more conflict.People actively change things to end

inequality. Social movements and protests.

The Industrial Revolution

During the 18th & 19th centuries there was rapid social change. Thinkers of the time tried to address the problems that were happening in society as the industrial revolution changed people’s lives.

People moved from the country to the city and worked in factories, with horrible working conditions. There were no labor laws, child rights, or protections for workers. The country life was replaced with crowded city life.

Karl Marx (1818 – 1883)

Marx was a philosopher/economist during the Industrial Revolution and is associated with Conflict theory.

Marx believed that economic inequality creates conflict, and focused on the problems of capitalism. He used the terms: Proletariat (workers) and Bourgeoisie (capitalists, owners).

He saw the misery and exploitation of factory workers and wrote about their terrible conditions.

■ Workers are exploited by owners, and they suffer from false consciousness, which means workers accept that they are being exploited.

■ In 1848, Marx wrote The Communist Manifesto, and famously said “Workers of the world unite!” He wanted workers to became aware of their exploitation through Class Consciousness, and overthrow the bourgeoisie. Then the proletariat would run the factories and share equally. There would be no more private property and this would lead to a Communist Utopia

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Let’s BrainstormConflict Theory

Apply conflict theory to increasingly unequal pay in the U.S.

In 1965, CEO’s made 20 times as much as an average worker. These days CEO pay is 400 times as much as an average worker.

How do the rich and powerful maintain their positions of privilege?