Answered: Define Conflict Paradigm?

Social Psychology (10th Edition)

10th Edition

ISBN:9780134641287

Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers

Publisher:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers

Chapter1: Introducing Social Psychology

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ1

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Question

Define Conflict Paradigm?

Expert Solution

Introduction

The intellectual roots of the conflict paradigm were laid by Karl Marx. Marx saw society in a critical light where class struggle is an inevitable part of any societal development.

Explanation

The conflict paradigm came into being as a response to structural-functionalism, which did not acknowledge change and conflict as subject matter, Conflict theory on the other hand:

The conflict paradigm states that social order is maintained by domination and power instead of conformity and consensus.
The conflict paradigm states that conflict is an inevitable part of any society, which leads to competition between groups over limited resources.
The conflict paradigm is a macro-level theory that suggests that domination and oppression lead to structural inequality in a society. Marxist conflict paradigm states that the structural inequality will lead to revolution and reformation in society and ultimately result in society's development.
The conflict paradigm focuses on authority and states that the power lies in the position instead of the individual. And the exercise of legal authority leads to subordination and super-ordination.