consensus and conflict in politics
“Without a basic minimum of consensus, no politics is possible”. Discuss the relationship between conflict and consensus in determining the nature of politics.
This research paper aims at finding a concise definition for the terms, ‘conflict and consensus”, comparing the both terms, stating some Sociologists’ perspectives on the theories and then discussing how these terms help in determining the nature of politics.
Conflict Theory by Karl Marx
According to Wahl (1985), “Conflict can be described as a process in which two or more parties try to disturb the other’s goal realization”. Its theory highlights the role of coercion and power in producing shared commands. “This viewpoint comes from the works of Karl Marx, who saw society as split into groups that compete for social and economic resources. Social order is maintained by domination, with power in the hands of those with the greatest political, economic, and social resources. When harmony exists, it is linked to people being unified with common interests, often in opposition to other groups. It is a theory proposed by the sociologist Karl Marx who claimed that society is in a state of continuous conflict due to competition for inadequate resources. This hypothesis states that social order is maintained by supremacy and power, rather than consensus and consistency. Those with wealth and power try to hold on to it by any means possible, mainly by repressing the poor and powerless. Groups and individuals advance their own interests, struggling over control of shared resources. Those with the most resources exercise power over others so inequality and power struggle results. There is a great amount of attention being paid to class, race, and gender in this viewpoint because they are seen as the grounds of the most important and lasting struggles in society. The conflict perspective focuses mainly on the negative, conflicted and ever-changing character of society”. (About.com.Sociology)
Real-life example of
This research paper aims at finding a concise definition for the terms, ‘conflict and consensus”, comparing the both terms, stating some Sociologists’ perspectives on the theories and then discussing how these terms help in determining the nature of politics.
Conflict Theory by Karl Marx
According to Wahl (1985), “Conflict can be described as a process in which two or more parties try to disturb the other’s goal realization”. Its theory highlights the role of coercion and power in producing shared commands. “This viewpoint comes from the works of Karl Marx, who saw society as split into groups that compete for social and economic resources. Social order is maintained by domination, with power in the hands of those with the greatest political, economic, and social resources. When harmony exists, it is linked to people being unified with common interests, often in opposition to other groups. It is a theory proposed by the sociologist Karl Marx who claimed that society is in a state of continuous conflict due to competition for inadequate resources. This hypothesis states that social order is maintained by supremacy and power, rather than consensus and consistency. Those with wealth and power try to hold on to it by any means possible, mainly by repressing the poor and powerless. Groups and individuals advance their own interests, struggling over control of shared resources. Those with the most resources exercise power over others so inequality and power struggle results. There is a great amount of attention being paid to class, race, and gender in this viewpoint because they are seen as the grounds of the most important and lasting struggles in society. The conflict perspective focuses mainly on the negative, conflicted and ever-changing character of society”. (About.com.Sociology)
Real-life example of
References: -Tuckness.A. (2010).John Locke’s Political Philosophy, Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy -Investopedia terms (1998).Conflict theory. Retrieved 24th, September, 2013, From www.investopedia.com/term/c/conflicttheory.asp -Hamburger, P.A., (1989).Law and History Review, College of Criminology and Criminal Justice.Vol.7.No.2 -Walters, W. (2002-2005).Conflict Resource Research Project.W.S.U.