A brief overview of conflict theory.

1. Conflict Theory

5. A Framework for Comparing Theoretical Approaches Structur-alism Function-alism Class Conflict Inter-pretive Racial Conflict Feminist Theory Queer Inter-sectional Social Self Focus of Explan-ation How society is organized; resources and schema Purpose of every social institution Economics Systems of Meaning Racial hierarchy Gender Sexuality; social boundaries; mainstream Comb-ination of race, class, gender, sexuality, etc. Social Psychology Implication for Power Neutral Power important for social cohesion Ruling class, bourgeoisie and capitalists Hegemony White supremacy; racial dictatorship Patriarchy Dispersed Matrix of Domination Agency Key Questions What are the norms, goals, and means? What need is served by institutions Who rules? How is strat-ification reproduced What are the beliefs and values of a society What does race mean? How is it organized Relative positions of men and women, meanings of gender Who is treated as ‘other’? How do the marginalized find power How do different hierarchies work hand in hand to oppress some and privilege others Relation-ship between the individual and society; how do social exp. Create identity

6. Structuralism Functionalism Class Conflict Focus of Explanation How society is organized; resources and schema Purpose of every social institution Economics Implication for Power Neutral Power important for social cohesion Ruling class, bourgeoisie and capitalists Key Questions What are the norms, goals, and means? What need is served by institutions Who rules? How is stratification reproduced?

10. Poverty