Week 3 - Conflict Theory

Question 1

Conceptual idea of Conflict theory

Answer 1

Societal structure leads to macro conflicts between groups

Question 2

Main conflict in conflict theory

Answer 2

Society is in a constant struggle over scarce resources

Question 3

Resources in conflict theory

Answer 3

Associated with power and money

Question 4

Definition of capitalism

Answer 4

An economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods and services for profit in a competitive market

Question 5

Groups in conflict theory

Answer 5

A pyramid structure of power and wealth, where the elite determine the rules for those below them. This ideacan be applied to a range of groups in society (ie. gender, wealth, race etc.)

Question 6

Theorists in conflict theory

Answer 6

• Karl marx
• Max Weber
• Pierre Bourdieu
• Raewynn Connell

Question 7

Marxist perspective on conflict theory

Answer 7

• effects of the growth of industrial capitalism in social life
• history and social life is determined by the economic system
• views the relationship of society to its means of production

Question 8

Marxist - means of production

Answer 8

Resources owned by the bourgeoisie and used for the production of commodities/profit as a result of the labor power of wage workers

Question 9

Bourgeoisie

Answer 9

The capitalist class, owners of capital and of the means of production, who stand in a position of domination of the proletariat

Question 10

Proletariat

Answer 10

Wage workers who, in order to live, must sell their labor power to the capitalist class, which uses them to produce value/profit