Conflict Theory: Key Concepts & Real-Life Examples

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 5 min read

The world of social sciences often delves into the complexities of human interaction. One of the most compelling frameworks for understanding these dynamics is what we call conflict theory. This blog will guide you through the key concepts of conflict theory, it's real-life applications, critiques, and even some practical examples. Let's dive right into it.

1. Define Conflict Theory

Conflict theory serves as a lens through which we can examine the social world. It's a perspective that sees social life as a constant battle over resources and power. This section will help you get a better grip on what conflict theory is all about.

Origin of Conflict Theory

Conflict theory, like many great ideas, didn't just pop up overnight. It's rooted in the work of Karl Marx, who in the 19th century, proposed that society is shaped by class conflict. Marx believed that the struggle between the upper class (bourgeoisie) who control resources and the lower class (proletariat) who work for them, shapes societies. Over time, other thinkers have expanded on Marx's ideas, but his influence remains at the heart of conflict theory.

Key Elements of Conflict Theory

Now that you know the roots of conflict theory, let's look at its core elements. First, conflict theory sees society as composed of different groups that compete for resources. Second, it emphasizes that power isn't evenly distributed, with some groups dominating others. Finally, it posits that conflict can lead to social change. That's the heart of conflict theory for you - a game of power, resources, and change.

Types of Conflicts in Conflict Theory

Conflict theory isn't just about economic struggles. It recognizes many types of conflicts, from racial to gender, religious, and political. For instance, feminist conflict theory focuses on gender inequality, while racial conflict theory examines racial and ethnic disparities. It's a multi-faceted theory that can be applied to many aspects of social life.

2. Apply Conflict Theory

Now that we've got some understanding of conflict theory, let's move on to its application. How does conflict theory come into play in the real world? Well, it has a significant impact on various fields, especially sociology and psychology.

Conflict Theory in Sociology

Conflict theory is pretty much a big deal in sociology. Sociologists use it to explain social inequality, which emerges from the competition for limited resources. For instance, it can help us understand why some groups have more wealth, power, and influence than others. It also sheds light on how these disparities can lead to social unrest—think of workers striking for better wages, or people protesting against discriminatory laws.

Conflict Theory in Psychology

Psychology also gets a dose of conflict theory. Psychologists may use it to explore conflicts within the individual—like the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations. Or they might apply it to group dynamics, examining how power imbalances can cause conflict in families, workplaces, or communities. So, whether it's a battle inside us or among us, conflict theory can offer valuable insights.

3. Critique Conflict Theory

Conflict theory is widely applied and useful, but that doesn't mean it's perfect. Let's take a closer look at its strengths and weaknesses, as well as some common misconceptions about it.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Conflict Theory

There's a lot to admire about conflict theory. For one, it's great at highlighting social inequalities and power imbalances, issues that often go unnoticed. It's also helpful for understanding societal change, since it emphasizes the role of conflict in driving social transformation. But on the flip side, conflict theory can be a bit too focused on conflict and competition. It often overlooks the role of cooperation and consensus in society. It can also oversimplify complex social issues by framing them as mere struggles between haves and have-nots.

Common Misconceptions about Conflict Theory

Despite its popularity, conflict theory is often misunderstood. One common misconception is that it's all about violent or destructive conflict. But conflict theory isn't just about wars or riots; it also covers peaceful forms of conflict, like debates or negotiations. Another misunderstanding is that conflict theory sees conflict as a bad thing. But in truth, it views conflict as a normal and necessary part of social life, capable of leading to positive change.

4. Illustrate Real-Life Examples of Conflict Theory

Now that we've explored the ins and outs of conflict theory, let's ground it in some real-life situations. You'll see how it shows up in everyday contexts, like in business settings and even within families.

Conflict Theory in Business

Ever observed a power struggle between managers and employees? That's conflict theory in action. Imagine a company—let's say Acme Corp., a tech firm in Silicon Valley. The management wants to boost profits and decides to cut employee benefits. The employees, on the other hand, are unhappy and start to push back. This scenario perfectly illustrates the power dynamics and conflicts at play in a typical business setting.

Conflict Theory in Family

Conflict theory isn't just for the workplace—it's relevant at home too. Consider a typical family dispute: Parents want their teen to focus on academics, but the teen wants to spend more time on extracurricular activities. Both sides have different interests and goals, leading to conflict. While it's a simple example, it shows how conflict theory can help us understand the dynamics within a family unit.

5. Resolve Conflicts with Conflict Theory

Conflict may sound like a negative thing, but it's actually a natural part of human interaction. The good news? Conflict theory provides tools to navigate and resolve these issues. Below, we'll explore some strategies and see how they might work in practice.

Conflict Resolution Strategies

When resolving conflicts, it's helpful to remember that it's not about winning or losing—it's about reaching a mutually beneficial solution. Here are a few strategies:

Open Communication: Encourage parties to express their feelings and perspectives. This fosters understanding and empathy.
Mediation: Involving an impartial third party can help diffuse tension and facilitate resolution.
Compromise: Finding a middle ground where all parties make some concessions can often lead to resolution.

Conflict Resolution in Practice

Let's go back to our examples for a moment. At Acme Corp., management might use open communication to understand employee concerns and consider a compromise, like a slight cut in benefits but additional flexible work options. In our family scenario, the parents and teen might find a balance between academic and extracurricular activities. Conflict theory helps us understand that these resolutions aren't just about resolving a present disagreement. They also aim to address the underlying power dynamics and inequalities, leading to more sustainable harmony.

If you're intrigued by the idea of exploring conflict theory further and want to incorporate it into your own documentary work, check out Reshelshah's workshop, 'Documentary Treatment: Act Two.' This workshop will guide you through the process of developing a powerful and engaging documentary that showcases real-life examples of conflict theory in action.