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Sociology vocabulary · Theories and Thinkers

Conflict theory

Meaning in sociology, with examples

nounCore term

In sociology, conflict theory means: A group of theories that see society as shaped by struggles between groups with unequal power and resources, such as classes, genders or ethnic groups.

In Turkish: çatışma kuramı, çatışma teorisi

How it is used

An umbrella term rather than one single theory. It usually covers Marxist approaches and also writers such as Weber, C. Wright Mills and Dahrendorf. In exam answers it is typically contrasted with functionalism, which stresses consensus and stability.

Example sentences

  1. Conflict theory asks who benefits from the way schools are organised.

  2. The textbook compares functionalism and conflict theory on the role of the family.

Common collocations

  • conflict perspective
  • Marxist conflict theory
  • conflict and consensus
  • functionalismA theoretical approach that sees society as a system of connected parts, each of which performs a function that helps keep the whole stable.
  • powerThe ability of a person or group to achieve their goals or influence the behaviour of others, even when others resist.
  • social classA large group of people who share a similar economic position, such as income, wealth, occupation and education, and often similar life chances.
  • ideologyA set of ideas and beliefs that explains how society works and how it should work, and that often supports the interests of a particular group.
  • hegemonyLeadership or domination by one group that rests mainly on consent, achieved when its values and ideas come to be accepted by others as common sense.

More terms: Theories and Thinkers

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