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สั�ปดาห์�ที่ 10

เอกสัารประกอบการสัอนวิ�ชา 427-303 Sociological Theories

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เร�อง Conflict Theory : Introduction

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Conflict Theory Introduction Roots

Marx and Weber Coercion not consensus is what maintains social order

Marx saw a two tier system of Proletariat and Bourgeoisie struggling for control of the means of economic production

Weber – agreed in the importance of wealth, but argued that power and status were of equal importance

Both saw different groups in conflict over social scarcities.

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Modern Conflict Theory

60’s open social conflict

Functionalism Stability Equilibrium Consensus

Dahrendorf the “two faces” of society

Functional theory (rulers) Conflict theory (ruled)

Society is constantly changing Change results from social conflict and dissent.

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Dahrendorf’s Assumptions

Power is not a zero sum game World not strictly divided

Winners Losers Power dominates and controls the powerless. The powerful establish a social structure to

maintain control Authority positions are widely distributed People only have power in some

President Corp v. family reunion

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Dahrendorf's Assumptions

Dahrendorf believesFunctionalists are utopianA society with the absence of power

struggles or conflictReal societies

Society maintains tension between stasis and change, consensus and coercion function and conflict

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Social Structure, Group Interests, and Conflict GroupsThe central questioned of all social thought How do societies adhere?

Two well established positions: The Utopians (Functional Theory)

Represented by the Functional Theory The Rationalists (Conflict Theory)

Represented by Conflict Theory

Conflict between the two positions is old. Aristotle vs. Plato Hobbes vs. Rousseau Kant vs. Hegel

the debate has intensified.

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Utopians V. Rationalists

Unless one believes that all philosophical arguments are irrelevant the debate was exposed the fundamental

alternatives of knowledge, moral and political orientation.

Utopians are represented by the Functional theory of society

Rationalists are represented by the Conflict theory of society

The two positions are mutually exclusive in most fields and people, but not is sociology. Good Sociology uses one in A, another in B and

both in C. but does not exclude any.

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Parson’s Functionalism

Parsons is not aware of the rationalists conception of society Parson includes no power struggles in society He envisions a utopian society of consensus and

agreement

How can functionalism explain daily conflict and disequilibria in society?

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Functionalist vs. Conflict Theories Functionalism Theory of Society

Every society is relatively persistent, stable structure of elements

Every society is a well integrated structure of elements Every element in a society has a function. (i.e.

contributes to the maintenance) Every function in the social structure is based on a

consensus of values between members

How can the theory explain a situation where employees of one company, go on a strike that leads to a general revolt against society?

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Conflict Theory of Society

Every Society is at every point subject to the processes of change. Change is everywhere.

Every Society displays at every point dissensus and conflict. Conflict is everywhere

Every Element in a society contributes to its disintegration and change

Every Society is based on coercion of some members by others.

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Dahrendorf’s Conflict Theory

Using Conflict theory he tries to show:1. How relations of authority become

productive of clashes of role interest, which

2. Under certain conditions leads to the formation of organized antagonistic groups within limited social organizations and societies.

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Power and Authority Two basic premises:

1. Certain people are entrusted with the right to exercise effective coercion over others

2. There is a differential distribution of power and authority

The central thesis: The different distribution of authority creates

systematic social conflicts (similar to the class conflicts described by Marx)

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Power Defined

The probability that one actor within a social relationship will be in a position to carry out his/her will despite the resistance of others, regardless of the base of power.

Bases of Power Reward Coercive Legitimate Referent Expert

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Authority Defined

The probability that a command with a given specific content will be obeyed by a given group of people.

Does authority require a power base for existence?For Example – expertise or referent

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Power v. Authority

The difference between P/A Power is essentially tied to the personality of

the individual, but Authority is always associated with social

positions (status)Dahrendorf is only concerned in his

presentation with authorityAuthority alone is part of the social structure,

and therefore permits group conflictsPower only permits personal conflict

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Authority and Conflict

The reasons why authority always produces conflict:

1. Authority relations are always super and subordination2. The super ordinate is expected to control the subordinate3. Expectation are attached to status positions rather than

the character of the individual4. Authority relations specify the persons subject to control

and the spheres within which control is permissible Voluntary relations or socialized relations, there is a

duty to obey5. Authority that is perceived as legitimate threatens

negative sanctions for non-compliance The function of the legal system to support the exercise of

legitimate authority

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Imperatively Coordinated Associations

An association is the coordination of roles Super OrdinateSub Ordinate

Tasks require effort coordination by group membersNo task -> No coordinationTask introduction -> Coordination

requirement

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Conflict Analysis

Investigates the generation of conflict groups created by

authority relations in imperatively coordinated associations

the unit of analysis is the specific association

the dichotomy of authority positionsDo all associations involve super

ordinate and sub ordinate positions?

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Conflict Analysis cont.

Super ordinate/Sub ordinate dichotomy in all forms of associations

Everyone takes part in a large number of different ICA’s

Sometimes we are super ordinateSometimes we are sub ordinate

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Power and Authority in Conflict Analysis Is power a zero-sum concept?

Power is never a zero – sum game Everyone, in every association has some power Power, while not evenly distributed, is ubiquitous

Authority is a zero - sum concept No matter how subtitle the distribution Always a line Those with authority (no matter how little) and those

without

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Elites in Society (ICA’s)Elites are those who represent the

super ordinate group in any ICAGenerally, subordinates out number the

super ordinate But in post industrial society, the

number of people clearly subjected to authority decreases Elites are only elite in specific

associations

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Elite Classes in Society

Always conflict between elites in different associations

The upper structure of society is not necessarily the elite class

There is constant changeBased on the given authority relations of

the moment

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The Masses and Suppressed

The masses as typically viewed IgnorantPowerlessApathetic

Dahrendorf View IntelligentEmpowered Interested

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Generalizations about the masses1. Not necessarily the major of an

association

2. Members are not necessarily connected by like culture

3. Existence is related to a particular association