Conflict Theory Essay
Conflict theory seeks to scientifically explain conflict within society. This includes how conflict starts and varies, and the effects it brings. One of the central concerns for conflict theorists is the unequal distribution of scarce resources and power. Where functionalists see collective agreement on cultural standards as a key feature of holding society together, conflict theorists see power as the main feature of society. Power is the primary factor that guides society and social relations. Where power is located and who uses it (or who does not) is of utmost importance in conflict theory. When social groups compete for power and resources, conflict arises. Karl Marx, the founder of conflict theory, believed that conflict within society
…show more content…
Although we have an agreed upon set of norms and laws, people in positions of power can influence them to fit their needs or desires. I think this is most evidently seen in the treatment of whites and blacks in our history. After the abolition of slavery at the end of the Civil War, blacks still held less power in society than whites did. Laws that were grey on matters of discrimination and equal treatment of different races were often used to disenfranchise black people and segregate them from the rest of society. This unequal treatment gave rise to the Civil Rights Movement, which changed the law so that blacks and whites were treated as equals. However, this has not always been the case. Because of the deep seeded racism in this country, blacks are still treated unfairly by the criminal justice system and the police force. I think it is important to use conflict theory to analyze the rise of the #BlackLivesMatter movement because of the historical mistreatment of African Americans in the United …show more content…
Conflict theorists do not believe that equality exists. Therefore, people are not treated fairly under the law, rather the law and justice system are biased in favor of powerful groups (Anderson, Reinsmith-Jones, & Brooks, Jr., 2016). The law, police, and other governmental agents are viewed as forceful weapons used to promote the interests of powerful and privileged groups. Therefore, excessive police violence against minorities is often overlooked because in the US, whites hold the majority of the
Although we have an agreed upon set of norms and laws, people in positions of power can influence them to fit their needs or desires. I think this is most evidently seen in the treatment of whites and blacks in our history. After the abolition of slavery at the end of the Civil War, blacks still held less power in society than whites did. Laws that were grey on matters of discrimination and equal treatment of different races were often used to disenfranchise black people and segregate them from the rest of society. This unequal treatment gave rise to the Civil Rights Movement, which changed the law so that blacks and whites were treated as equals. However, this has not always been the case. Because of the deep seeded racism in this country, blacks are still treated unfairly by the criminal justice system and the police force. I think it is important to use conflict theory to analyze the rise of the #BlackLivesMatter movement because of the historical mistreatment of African Americans in the United …show more content…
Conflict theorists do not believe that equality exists. Therefore, people are not treated fairly under the law, rather the law and justice system are biased in favor of powerful groups (Anderson, Reinsmith-Jones, & Brooks, Jr., 2016). The law, police, and other governmental agents are viewed as forceful weapons used to promote the interests of powerful and privileged groups. Therefore, excessive police violence against minorities is often overlooked because in the US, whites hold the majority of the