This document defines and differentiates consensus and conflict theories. It discusses key consensus theorists like Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons who viewed society as constrained by shared social norms and values. The major conflict theorist discussed is Karl Marx, who saw society as fragmented with groups competing for resources. The document then contrasts how consensus theorists focus on social order through agreement, while conflict theorists examine how institutions maintain privileges for some groups. It concludes by outlining how consensus and conflict theories apply differently in analyzing the educational system.

1. CONSENSUS AND
CONFLICT THEORY

2. •Define Consensus and Conflict
Theories.
•Differentiate Consensus and
Conflict Theories.
•Discuss Consensus and Conflict
Theories in the Educational
System.
Learning Objectives:

3. CONSENSUS & CONFLICT THEORY
•Consensus
•is a general or widespread agreement
among all members of a particular
society.
•Conflict
•is a clash between ideas, principles
and people.

4. CONSENSUS THEORISTS
• EmileDurkheim
-wasthefirsteverprofessorofSociology.
-arguedthatsocietyareconstrainedby‘socialfacts’that
includesbeliefs,moralcodes,andbasicnormsandvalues
whicharepassedfromonegenerationtothenextandshared
byindividualswhomakeupasociety.
• TalcottParsons
-bestknownforhissocialactiontheoryandstructural
functionalism.
-viewsthatvaluessystemisimportantforkeepingorder
inthesocietyasindividualactsinways

5. CONFLICT THEORIST
•Karl Marx
- thefatherofcommunism.
- initiated Conflict Theory, an
approach of viewing thesocietythrough the
inequalitiesin societythatgives rise to class
conflicts.
-viewsocietyas fragmentedintogroups
thatcompete for socialand economic
resources.

6. •Consensus theorists is concerned with the
maintenance or continuationof social order in society,
in relationto accepted norms, values, rules and
regulations as widely accepted or collectivelyby the
society or within a particular society itself.
•Conflict theorists are interested in how society’s
institutions– the family, government, religion,
education, and the media – may help to maintainthe
privileges of some groups and keep others in a
subservient position.

7. CONSENSUS CONFLICT
 Examine values integration
in society.
 Examine conflicts of interest
and coercion that holds
society together.
 Absence of conflict is seen
as the equilibrium sets on
a general or widespread
agreement among all
members of a particular
society.
 Focus on the heterogeneous
nature of society and the
differential distribution of
political and social power—
Horton and Hunt ( 1984).

8. ConsensusTheories Conflict Theories
 Shared norms and
values as fundamental
to society
 Emphasize the
dominance of some
social groups
 Focus on social order
based on tacit
agreements
 See social order as
manipulation and control
by dominant groups.
 Social change occurs in
slow and orderly
fashion
 Social change occurs
rapidly and in a
disorderly fashion

9. Consensus Theory in the Educational
System.
 Schools teach generally accepted norms and
values.
 Education System follows consensual norms
and values.
 Students learn to agree on how to behave in
some social situations. e.g. greetings & school/
classroom rules
 School community & Stakeholders are involve
in School- Based Management.
 Education is essential to maintain the
modern workforce.

10. Conflict Theory in the Educational
System.
 Educational system reinforces and perpetuates
social inequalities that arise from differences in
class, gender, race and ethnicity.
 Educational System preserves the status quo and
push people of lower status into obedience.
 Education works as a means by which those on
power stay in power.
 The fulfillment of one’s Education closely link to
social class.
 Schools contribute to the unequal distribution of
people into jobs in society.