Introduction
The world has limited resources; the resources are not equitably distributed. At any one point, there is a group of people oppressed by the system. Inequality in the community and power disparities has created friction and conflicts among different groups of people. The ruling class, the ruled, business people, farmers, men and women are in constant “battle” to satisfy their needs. This paper looks into perspective taken by conflict theory to explain social situations.
Conflict Theory
According to conflicts theory of social aspects of life, human beings are always in conflict with each other as they try to deliver themselves from oppression perceived to emanate from struggles by other people to satisfy their needs. Different classes existing in the community fight for the limited resources and perceive the other class as the hindrance of their enjoyment and utility of the available resources.
The world today has taken major attributes of capitalism (bourgeoisie), were free market forces have been left to distribute available resources, this has created more problems where the haves have increased to accumulate wealth and power and the poor state has only become desperate. Although supporters of capitalism (bourgeoisie) are of the opinion that it is the best way to ensure that resource are well utilized with minimal wastes, it has created uneven competition among different classes and social groups.
In the modern capitalist environment, each party is acting for its own benefit and aims to benefit from the system; the resultant is oppression of some groups in the society. For example, there have been struggles for wage rates increase in United States, alternatively property owners have been accused and sometimes prosecuted for exploiting their tenants. The invention of governments has reduced as people work for their own good; the government only plays the role of creating an enabling environment.
Application of conflict theory is not only in modern lifestyles however, in major historical revolutions like French and Latin American revolutions, conflict between the ruling class (the capital and land owners) and the ruled (labor givers) has resulted to uproars for revolutions.
Currently there are debates advocating for respect and recognition of women rights, women have felt oppressed by men and have embarked on massive campaigns to demand for their rights and positions in the community. In the united States for instance, there are a number of groups fighting for the rights of women and their traditional roles, which were mostly home based, have been shared by men who had previously take n the role of bread winners.
Education has also facilitated the struggle for people’s rights to property and rights; people have become aware of their rights. In the efforts of demanding their rights and position in the society, there have been constant struggle. The political situation of the world is not stable, as some leaders feel oppressed by the governing bodies. Conflict theory recognize competition and struggle for limited resources as the major social force that hold the society together and can explain happenings occurring in the community.
Conclusion
From families, which are the smallest unit of a society, to international community, there is struggle for limited resources. Different classes are constantly struggling to fulfill their needs. As the struggle continues, differences are evident. Conflict theory properly addresses the social, economical and political dynamics in past and modern societies (Thio 12-34).
Works Cited
Thio, Alex. Sociology: A Brief Introduction. New Jersey: Pearson Education, 2008.Print.