UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

TOPIC: THE CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE

SEMINAR PAPER PRESENTED AND SUBMITTED BY:

1. AGBAJE Abiola Quadri

2. AJAYI Mayowa Solomon 225335

3. AJISAFE Inioluwa Kinghenry

4. AKANO Oluwatobi Pelumi 179697

5. AKINNOLA Bosede Racheal 224220

6. OSHO Abraham Oluwatoyin

COURSE CODE: SOC 701

LECTURERS IN CHARGE:
PROF. OLUTAYO

PROF. OMOLOLU

DR. OMOBOWALE
OUTLINE

Contributions of Participants

Abstract

Introduction

Conflict and the Conflict Perspective

Scholarly Contributions to Conflict Perspective

Assumptions of Conflict Perspective

Criticisms of Conflict Perspective

Real-life Examples of Conflict Perspective

Conclusions and Recommendations

References
CONTRIBUTIONS OF PARTICIPANTS

General work arrangement & PowerPoint AJAYI MAYOWA SOLOMON

Abstract AJAYI MAYOWA SOLOMON

Introduction and Conflict OSHO ABRAHAM OLUWATOYIN

Conflict Perspective AKINOLA BOSEDE RACHEAL

Scholarly Contributions to Conflict Perspective AJISAFE INIOLUWA KINGHENRY

Assumptions and Criticisms of Conflict Perspective AKANO OLUWATOBI PELUMI

Real-life Examples of Conflict Perspective AJAYI MAYOWA SOLOMON

Conclusions and Recommendations AGBAJE ABIOLA QUADRI

References ALL
ABSTRACT

In sociology, we use paradigms to explain social arrangements and interactions. Paradigm is the
general name for a set of three major social theories, which are interactionism, conflict, and
consensus. This is why this paper focuses on the Conflict perspective which is a macro-level
theory used to explain social phenomena and interactions. The paper points out the work of Karl
Marx, a German philosopher who is the major proponent of the theory. This paper also added
the works of other sociological scholars like Frederick Engels, W.E.B Dubois, and C. Wright
Mills and their various contributions to the conflict perspective. The paper equally pointed out
the major assumptions as well as criticisms of the perspective. Using a deep insight and
understanding of the society, the paper outlined practical examples of conflict perspective to get
a better understanding. This paper concludes that the conflict perspective is effective in
explaining social phenomenon because conflict exists all around us (between and among groups,
countries, and even families) citing the works of another scholar Ralf Dahrendorf. The paper
recommends that additional metatheorizing be carried out on the conflict perspective

Keywords: Conflict, power, struggle, resources, bourgeoisie, and proletariat.

INTRODUCTION

Sociologist often uses theory to explain issues in the society; Theories are propositions about the
structure or arrangement of the social environment. It is also a set of ideas that is intended to
explain the natural and social phenomenon.

In sociology, different theories explain the natural phenomenon; some of them are systems
theory, social exchange theory, rational choice theory, dependency theory, post-modernism, and
many more.

However, there are major paradigms that have dominated sociological thinking. They are
structural functionalism, conflict perspective, and symbolic interactionism.

Hence, the focus of this work is on the conflict perspective which is a macro-level theory since it
relates to large groups and large-scale issues.

To understand what conflict perspective is, it is important that we first explain conflict itself.

WHAT IS CONFLICT

Collins dictionary, define conflict as a serious disagreement about something important. It is a

situation in which there are opposing ideas, opinions, feelings, or wishes; a situation in which it
is difficult to choose. The dictionary also puts conflict as a sharp collision in ideas or interest and
that emphasizes the process rather than the end.

Cambridge Dictionary on the other hand describes conflict as an active agreement between
people with opposing opinions or principles while Wikipedia simply puts it as a clash of interest.

With all these definitions, it is clear that conflict implies disagreement, differences, and discord.
From the sociological point of view, this implies that conflict can arise between members of the
society based on class, race, caste, religion, and other factors.

Now, let’s get to the conflict perspective, otherwise called conflict theory.
CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE

Society consists of individuals with distinguishing characteristics ranging from gender,

race, socio-economic status, power, religion, class, and age. This has led to unequal distribution
also known as inequality among every individual in the society.

The society is made of two major groups; the upper group and the lower group; the haves
and the haves not; the majority and the minority; the bourgeoisie and the proletariats. However,
in every group, those with the upper hand tend to dominate, extort and oppress the others. This is
the genesis of conflict and competition in the society.

Contrary to the functionalist that believes that every group and structure in the society is
working together to contribute to social change, the conflict perspective sees individuals with
different backgrounds and socioeconomic status exhibiting dissenting ideas and competing for
scarce resources.

The conflict perspective views every individual's behavior in the society as an attempt to
dominate others, compete for scarce resources, and assume the position of authority to avoid
being dominated and oppressed. While the dominant groups are working tirelessly to main their
position, the subordinate groups are striving to be free from their oppressors.

It should be noted that peace and conflict are like two sides of a coin, therefore to attain
peace, there must be conflict. So, the conflict perspective is not a destructive perspective as it can
result in social change. A good example is the 1929 Aba women's riot. The riot started when the
market women were oppressed by the "appointed warrant chiefs" Thousands of these women
protested against the system and it prompted the colonial authorities to curb the warrant chiefs
and abort the extortion plan.

According to the conflict perspective, conflict is normative and fosters social change.

SCHOLARS CONTRIBUTIONS TO CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE

KARL MARX (1818–1883)

Karl Marx (1818-1883) a German sociologist and philosopher is mostly identified with the
concept of conflict theory.
 According to Karl Marx, the society is made up of individuals in diverse social groups or
classes that must compete for political, social, and material resources like leisure time, education,
employment, housing, and food. Marx added that social institutions such as religion, education,
and government reflect this competition in their intrinsic inequalities and help to maintain the
unequal social structure (Lumen learning, 2014).

Karl Marx also held the belief that the society was constructed was predicated on the idea
of 'superstructure and base'. Both terms refer to the idea that the economic character of a society
forms the base upon which the social institutions, superstructure, and culture rest. The base
(economy) determines the structure of the society (Lumen Learning, 2014).

Marx's position on conflict theory focuses on the conflict that exists between two major classes
in the society. According to Marx, each class in the society consists of a group of individuals
joined by a certain level of property ownership and mutual or common interests. In his work on
conflict, Karl Marx explained about the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. The bourgeoisie
represents the minority class in the society who holds the majority of the means of production
and wealth. On the other hand, the Proletariat is the second group which includes the poor or
working-class (Adam, 2020).

Marx further posited that the conflict between the Proletariat and the Bourgeoisie
appeared repeatedly throughout history during the social revolution. Marx referred to these
revolutions as 'class antagonism' which is a result of one class's dominance over the other.
(https://osuokc.edu/sites/default/files/documents/arts/SOC-1113-Sociology.pdf)

Marx argued that the bourgeoisie dominated the proletariat at the end of feudalism and that the
bourgeoisie controlled the means of production. The bourgeoisie was said to be revolutionary
because they represent a change in the entire structure of the society. In Marx's words, society is
dividing up into two great aggressive groups; these two groups are the Bourgeoisie and
Proletariat (Marx and Engels, 1848 cited in
https://osuokc.edu/sites/default/files/documents/arts/SOC-1113-Sociology.pdf).

Marx explained that Industrialization was thriving in the mid-19th century and the owners
of the means of production (the industrial employers) became more exploitative towards the
industrial workers. According to Marx, the minority group in the society (the Bourgeoisie) will
use its influence to oppress the majority group (Proletariat). Ideological coercion was used to
maintain the unequal distribution of resources in the society. This involves the bourgeoisie
forcing the proletariat to accept whatever condition they provide.

Marx's contribution to conflict theory theorizes that the bourgeoisie will formulate
traditions, systems of laws, and other societal structures to support their dominance over the
Proletariat while taking measures to prevent others from joining its class. As the proletariat
continues to be subjected to worsening conditions, they will eventually become aware of the
inequalities and dominance that exist between both classes. The resultant effect will be a revolt.

After the revolt, there will be a new structure that will adjust to favor the proletariat's
demands. Then, the conflict circle will repeat although it is quite different this time because the
bourgeoisie will be the revolver and the aggressor protesting for a return to the old structures
where they were in control.

Marx's discussion of conflict theory also beams light on the connection or relationship
that exists between a worker and the product. Due to the rise of capitalism and the bourgeoisie
revolution, the worker (proletariat) now worked for only wages without any relationship with the
work they do. This implies that the relationship of a worker and his efforts was now based on
artificial conditions rather than on human nature.

Marx went on to use describe modern society using the term alienation. According to
Karl Marx, alienation is a situation whereby an individual is separated from his or her
work, society, or sense of duties and self. Marx identified four types of alienation (Wikipedia,
2021) which are

1. Alienation from the product of one’s labor: this type of alienation occurs when the
industrial worker does not relate to the product he labors on. For instance, an unskilled
worker can work at a watch factory using buttons to join pieces together rather than
training as a watchmaker for years. Such a worker only cares that the job exists; he does
not care about the work itself.

In another example, a worker at Innoson Motors assembly plant may spend all the day
installing car doors or windows without seeing the remaining parts of the car.
 2. Alienation from the process of one’s labor: in this case, a worker does not have control
over his job conditions because she is not the owner of the means of production. For
instance, a person working in Mr. Biggs fast-food restaurant is expected to prepare the
food as stipulated by the firm. All the ingredients used must be the ones approved by the
restaurant and it must be in a particular quantity and order, the worker must not change
anything or try to recreate anything,
Similarly, an employee at Chicken Republic cannot solely decide to change the spices
they use to grill chicken the same way an employee on a Toyota assembly cannot put the
car’s door handle in a different position.
The primary idea here is that bourgeoisie decides everything and gives orders to the
workers.
3. Alienation from others: here, workers compete rather than cooperate. Employees
compete for job security, bonuses, and time slots. Competition does not end even when
the employee signs out at night and heads home.
4. Alienation from one’s self: industrialization has led to a loss of connection between a
worker and his occupation. Nothing ties a worker to his labor, thus, there is no longer a
sense of self. A worker is simply a part of the machine instead of being able to take pride
in his work’s identity such as a chef, automobile builder, or watchmaker.

W. E. B DU BOIS (1868 – 1963)

William Edward Burghardt Du Bois (1868–1963), was a philosopher, critic, novelist,

sociologist, historian, journalist, and activist (Apple Books, 2020). Du Bois' work on race
problems combines his work in other domains. He specifically contributed to the understanding
of race and the race problem. He placed important value on both concepts and considered them
thoroughly.

Many modern philosophers have now come to appreciate race and issues related to race
as essential topics of philosophical reflection, all thanks to the involvement of Du Bois’ work.
Du Bois founded the field of race and philosophy, thereby revising and unsettling the views of
the aims and proper scope of philosophical inquiry.

C. WRIGHT MILLS (1916-1962)

 Mills is referred to as the founder of the contemporary conflict perspective. According
to him, social structures are created via conflict that exists between individuals with different
resources, beliefs, interests, and ideas. Mills further posited that resources and individuals are in
turn controlled and influenced by these structures and by the unequal distribution of resources
and power in the society.

Wright Mills further discussed that the elites' interests were opposed to that of the
people. He also argued that the policies of the power elite will result in increased conflict,
possible extermination of the human race, and the manufacture of weapons of mass destruction
(Wikipedia, 2021).

MAJOR ASSUMPTIONS OF THE CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE

According to UKEssays. (2015). UKEssays. Retrieved April 10, 2021, from

www.ukessays.com

These are basic assumptions of conflict perspective:

1. Competition

2. Structural inequality

3. Revolution

4. War

Let us now examine each assumption critically:

ASSUMPTION 1

Competition is an important factor in nearly every human relationship and interaction. It

originates from scarcity of resources like money, property, commodity, etc. The best example is
perhaps Walras’ definition of social wealth which means material or non-material that are scarce
i.e. they are useful to us and on the other hand but available to us in limited quantity (Montani G.
(1987) &Walras, L. (1980).

ASSUMPTION 2
Groups will always fight and dominate each other which creates structural inequality and
hierarchy and in turn causes oppression. The powerful dominate the powerless and oppresses
them by holding firm to their power to control them.
For instance, since the year 1980, the salary of an employee has increased by 74 percent
on average while an 84 percent increase was recorded for the CEO (Andersen and Taylor, 2007:
32). Race also contributes significantly to the distribution of wealth in the US. For every dollar in
an average white American, the average Black American only has 26 cents (Andersen and
Taylor, 2007: 33).

ASSUMPTION 3
Change and conflict are unavoidable in a society of hierarchy and competition among classes.
This could result in a revolution or a radical takeover of power from the hands of the oppressor
by the oppressed. The conflict theorist believes in revolution rather than evolution for a drastic
change to take place in a society.

ASSUMPTION 4
War can also occur due to conflict between groups in the society. War can help to create
solidarity within a society and can also destroy societies. Social structures might emerge from
those destroyed by it

CRITIQUES OF THE CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE

According to Lee, s. (2019, May 17). The classroom. Retrieved April 13, 2021, from The
classroom: https://www.classroom.com/limitations-conflict-theory-804257

1. Lack of Research: Conflict theory has been criticized for focusing more on intrapersonal
conflict (conflict experienced by a single individual, when his or her own goals, values,
 or roles diverge) rather than interpersonal conflict(conflict involving two or more people
when their roles, goals or values diverge).
2. Obstacles of Integration: The theory failed to incorporate the home or family which is
the first stage of development of any society into its analysis.

3. Negative View of Society: It sees the negative and the state of conflict in the society as
normal. It does not support any form of kindness, acts of altruism, democracy, and civil
rights movement as normal rather it sees them as a tool designed to control the masses
rather than to promote peace and social order.

4. Irony: The perspective gives a clear view of how the powerful seek to dominate the
weak and cause division among groups but it fails to mention the fact that among the
weaker groups, there are also divisions that bring about power struggle and domination.
It also states that conflict perspective is only relevant during war, famine, and political
instability not in a situation of peace or political instability.

PRACTICAL EXAMPLES OF CONFLICT THEORIES

Patterns of the conflict perspective can be seen in contemporary societies, in our everyday lives,
and happenings around us. Here are a few examples of conflict theory globally and in Nigeria.

Black Lives Matter

W.E.B Dubois explored what he called double-consciousness which refers to the sensation of
having two different identities. In this case, the identities are black Americans and Americans
who are treated differently.

Dubois maintained via his Racial Formation Theory that racism in America was systemic. He
also added that the discriminatory system was inherent and does not need an individual racist to
maintain it.
This position applies to Black Lives Matter is a decentralized political and social movement
protesting against incidents of police brutality and all racially motivated violence against black
people (Wikipedia, 2021).

The protest dates back to 2013 when the court acquitted George Zimmerman of the accusation of
shooting Trayvon Martin to death. The supporters of the movement made it a habit to
demonstrate when black people are killed in clumsy situations that are seen to be non-
threatening.

Black Lives matter recently came into limelight again after the killing of George Floyd. This
generated lots of protest across the US in deviance to Covid19. Thus, Black Lives Matter is
another example of social revolution after years of unequal treatment.

#ENDSARS Movement

The ENDSARS movement is another demonstration of the conflict theory in Nigeria. The
movement was originally to pressure the government to proscribe the notorious police unit
accused of extrajudicial and unlawful killings.

However, things took a different turn when the protest was hijacked. The aftermath of the
movement proved that it was a long-existing struggle for dominance against the ruling class.

This was why the protesters (turned rioters) seized the opportunity of the ensuing chaos to target
the rich people's businesses and stores (like Shoprite, banks, etc.), and they began to loot and
destroy them.

The Nigerian Judicial System

When wealthier members of society commit even bigger crimes, they get less punishment than
the people of minority races who commit lesser-gravity crimes.

An example of this is the recent judgment on the Ex-Bauchi Accountant-General, who was
sentenced to just one year imprisonment over #108 million scam, while an activist was sentenced
to 12 years imprisonment on the count of unlawful assembly, public incitement, and criminal
defamation of character.
This is a demonstration of the structural inequality that exists between the different classes in
society.
CONCLUSION
The main focus of conflict perspective is the class structure and wealth distribution that is not
equal in the society. The theory has been used largely to explain phenomena like poverty, crime,
war, revolution, and so on.
To the conflict theorists, social conflict is what drives the social change and development
in any society. Karl Marx who is credited to be the father of conflict perspective viewed human
society to be precipitated on a dialectical relationship between the dominant and dominated
groups of people.
Max Weber agreed with the economic inequalities of Karl Marx but further posited that
social conflicts are caused by inequalities in political power and the social structure.
Ralf Dahrendorf posited that social conflict is not concerned with only the economic
divisions or the existence of two classes but conflict is also concerned with authority. To him,
authority is the genuine influence committed to the occupation of a specific social role within an
association. He further opined that changes in social structure and methods engaged by the state
have led to a reduction in inequalities of income and wealth (Ritzer, 2011).
We also found out that the understanding of conflict perspective can be done on four primary
assumptions which are; structural inequality, competition, war, and revolution. All these
assumptions can fully explain conflict and happenings in societies.
However, further metatheorizing can be carried out to reject or extend the conflict
perspective.

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