venerdì 9 ottobre 2015

SOCIAL CONFLICT THEORY



Social stratification is the condition of the social strata, composed of individuals or groups, placed near or overlap in a scale of superiority or inferiority relative depending on wealth, power, prestige or what society they live in considers relevant purposes of social distinction.
According to sociologists in all societies there are inequalities between one individual and another, while according to anthropologists may exist in egalitarian society in which all social groups have more or less the same right to access to the upper steps of the social ladder to enjoy certain privileges.
Here I'm going to talk about the Theory of Conflict.
Conflict theory, inspired by Marxist doctrine, states that stratification with inequalities linked is a natural measure adopted by the ruling classes. These, as a class conscious itself of their shared position, try to keep it unchanged through continuous conflict with which defend their privileged social status groups below that, as a class in themselves, are not aware of their condition and oppressed class therefore they do not have an appropriate organization which, accompanied by a political action, would allow them to overcome social inequality.
The conflict theorists consider the functionalist image of a consensus on values ​​as a pure fiction: what happens in reality, according to them, is that those in power forcing the rest of the population acquiescence and compliance. In other words, the social order is maintained not by popular consent, but by force or the threat of force.
The conflict theorists do not think the conflict is a force necessarily destructive, can often have positive results, as it can lead to social changes that otherwise would not have happened. The social changes that prevent the company stagnation.
Unlike Marx, Weber did not dwell only on the importance of social class, but developed a theory of stratification in multiple dimensions. The fundamental principles of aggregation of classes were so economics, culture and politics.
Individuals join together not only to shared economic interests, thus forming the social classes, but also to aspects, cultural ideals, and noticed as walks, and political aspects of joining in parties to manage their power. In social stratification thus is relevant both the classroom and the class, it understood as a unifying element according to "lifestyle" that reflects a social prestige that depends not only wealth but also by other factors, not excluding psychological and leftovers from social consideration.


I dont have the advantage to have a strong family behind me, so for this reason like many others kids in college I have to work. This disadvantage leads to less time to put into work, which means lower grades. My situation of managing to work 20 hours a week, doing cross-country, track and fiel and taking full time classes is tough; whereas if I was from a powerful family I would not have to deal with the burden of working and would be able to concentrate on my studies more and my sport.




In recent months, police forces all over the country and has been under extreme scrutiny in the media for allegations of the use of excessive force and racial discrimination, specifically targeting African Americans.
Most recently, the deaths of Michael Brown of Ferguson, MO and Eric Garner of New York, NY have taken the country by storm and resulted in public outcry and protests.
Prior to these incidents, the shooting and death of Trayvon Martin in Florida in 2012 caused extreme upheavel throughout the country, promting the question: does racial targeting exist by the men and women.
Even celebrities and public figures have taken a stand on these issues and are showing their support for the lives tragically lost.
This is a example of Social Conflict Theory too.
Maybe one day Karl Marx"s dream will come true to have society be on an equal playing field but do not look for that to happen in our lifetimes.


Here you can a watch and hear a song where the two main protagonists are the "criminals" and the police.




References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_conflict_theory
http://sociology.about.com/od/Sociological-Theory/a/Conflict-Theory.htm

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