Download Conflict Theory Karl Marx and more Slides Conflictology in PDF only on Docsity! CONFLICT THEORY
(KARL MARX)
SOCIAL STRATIFICATION
Marx never gave theory of stratification,he gave a theory of social class on the basis of which we derive stratification or inequality in society. Marxian prespective provide a radical alternative to functionalist view of the nature of social stratification. Marx focus on social strata rather than social inequality in general Marx used the term “class” to refer to the main stratas in all stratification system. A class is a social group whose members share the same relationship to the forces of production. MARX BELIEVED THAT WESTERN SOCIETIES HAD DEVELOPED THROUGH FOLLOWINGMAIN EPOCHS: 1)Primitive communism 2)Ancient society 3)Feudal society 4)Capitalist society During each epoch labour power required for production was supplied by the subject class i.e. slaves, serfs, proletariat. The subject class is made up of the majority of the population whereas, the ruling class forms a minority. The relationship between the major social classes is one of mutual dependence and conflict. Marx specified a number of variables to explain how different classes develop conflict among themselves. 1)conflict over economic rewards between the classes. 2)physical concentration of masses of people. 3)easy communication among the people in the same class position. 4)development of solidarity.(class consciousness) 5)political organization 6)Revolution Acc to Marx, social stratification divides society into two classes and the unequal distribution of wealth leads to discontent and ultimately to revolution in the society. Marx presented a dichotomous model of class, he opined that with the development in capitalist system , the middle class will disappear. When despite hard work and labour they would not be able to attain their objectives ,they will join hands with subordinate class (proletariats) and thus over-throw the ruling class (bourgeoisie).
