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Social Conflict Theory

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Social Conflict Theory
Introduction
The social conflict theory is based on society being a complex system characterized by inequality and conflict that generate social change. Social conflict can be seen all over the world we live in: in sports, politics and normal social engagements and society at large. Karl Marx studied social conflict His entire life and wanted to reduce social inequality. The social conflict theory can be described as favoritism; Society tends to show favoritism to the prestigious members of that particular society. Social inequality is shown throughout the world from situations of race, ethnicity, gender, and age. These factors may dictate wealth, schooling, power, and prestige. The social conflict paradigm views the patterns that benefit some people more than it would others, due to their social standings.

Karl Marx was a sociologist who embraced the social conflict theory. Marx made his main goal not just to understand society but to reduce social inequality. Karl Marx devoted his life to explaining a contradiction in society which was "How in a society so rich, so many could be poor." Marx pointed out here that: If America is supposed to be a rich country and a free country where the streets are paved with gold and opportunity is knocking around every corner, then why is it that there are so many poor people in America? The answer is social conflict. America does not provide the same opportunities to people from a poor family as they do with people who come from a rich and prestigious family.

The social Conflict theory as pointed out by Karl Marx is based upon the view that the fundamental causes of crime are the social and economic forces operating within society. The criminal justice system and criminal law are thought to be operating on behalf of rich and powerful social elites, with resulting policies aimed at controlling the poor. The criminal justice establishment aims at imposing standards of morality and good behavior created by the powerful on



References: Skocpol, Theda. 1980. States and Social Revolutions: A Comparative Analysis of France, Russia, and China. New York: Cambridge University Press.

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