Conflict theory Unit 4 THEORIES OF SOCIOLOGY

.

1. Unit -4: Conflict theory – Ralf Dahrendorf , Lewis coser , Randal Collins

2. CONFLICT Conflict theory sees society as a battleground of power struggles. Ralf Dahrendorf , Lewis Coser, and Randall Collins expanded this theory beyond Marxism. They focused on authority, functional disputes, and micro-level conflicts.

3. Ralf Dahrendorf: Authority & Social Conflict Conflict arises from authority structures, not just economic class struggles. Society is divided into dominant (authority-holders) and subordinate groups. Change happens through institutional conflicts, not revolutions. 'Imperatively coordinated associations' structure conflicts within organizations. Bureaucracies , governments, and corporations are key sites of authority conflicts. Social change is gradual and structural, not class-based overthrow.

4. Lewis Coser: Functional Conflict Conflict can be functional and stabilizing for society. Differentiated between realistic conflicts (goal-driven) and non-realistic conflicts (emotion-driven). Frequent minor conflicts prevent major destructive clashes. Strengthens group unity by reinforcing social boundaries. Helps societies adapt to internal tensions rather than collapse. Conflict is essential for negotiation, progress, and social balance.

5. Randall Collins: Micro-Level Struggles Focused on micro-level interactions rather than large structural conflicts. Conflict is embedded in everyday social interactions and power dynamics. 'Interaction Ritual Chains' shape emotions, status, and group power. Social conflicts emerge in workplaces, classrooms, and personal relationships. Emotional energy and status competition drive conflicts at all levels. Small-scale interactions reinforce larger social hierarchies and inequalities.

6. Comparison of Theorists Dahrendorf : Authority-based conflicts; structured institutional clashes. C oser : Functional conflict; stabilizes society and strengthens unity. Collins: Micro-level power struggles; everyday rituals reinforce inequality. Together, they provide a multi-dimensional view of conflict beyond Marxism.

7. Criticism & Conclusion Overemphasizes struggle, ignoring social harmony and cooperation. Lacks predictive power—explains conflict but doesn’t always resolve it. Remains relevant for analyzing power struggles, inequality, and institutional disputes. From global politics to workplace competition, conflict theory explains why society never stops evolving.