The conflict theory is one of three major ideologies of sociology that

explains social life. It conveys life as a constant struggle between groups

for power and scarce resources. This rationale was established by Karl Marx

who observed small powerful groups exploiting the people in social classes

below them. Marx and other conflict theorists believe that we need inequality

to survive, and struggle among social classes is normal.

The conflict theory best explains social life than other theories for

many reasons. One being it explains the inequalities of money, gender, class,

and age in the most accurate way. These types of characteristics obviously

create advantages and disadvantages for people. They inadvertently establish

every person into a group that either benefits, or is handicapped, by their

place in the social hierarchy.

Conflict theory also justifies social change. It illustrates society as

unstable and enharmonic with unpredictable changes. Marx predicted that

ruling groups including capitalism will ultimately fall to their own

exploitation of lower classes. This is proven by revolutions, fallen

governments, war, and other dramatic shifts of power.

The conflict outlook accounts for the force for action held by the high

elite classes and their effect on politics. This so called power elite

control government through inner ties with political leaders and money. With

many already being members of government they control what will be the

standards for the classes below them and decide on their own gains in

politics. The wealthiest people in America that control major corporations by

no mishap are selected as the President s ambassadors and cabinet members.

They do whatever is possible to get their share of profits and maintain their

position in society.

Conflict theory depicts religion for what it is, a escape and sense of

purpose for people. A quote from Karl Marx shows the conflict theorist s

perspective on religion, Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the

sentiment of a heartless world... It is the opium of the people. Marx who was

an atheist believed that God was an impossibility. Religion under the

conflict ideal is a tool that gives happiness, and takes away suffering from

lower classes. This in turn makes them less likely to revolt to the

oppressing higher classes. The religious elite decide on the masses purpose

in life, and well being. An example would be the religious applications in

slavery, where slaves were taught that their agony would be eliminated when

they died and went to heaven. Religion is also a reflection of present social

inequalities in society. When men dominated society, women s roles in

religion were menial. Now that women s roles have changed, they have more

power in religion. Another fact that reinforces the conflict theory s

explanation of religion, is how God gives society s leaders more power. Kings

of the Middle Ages were said to have a divine right from God to rule, while

Egyptian Pharaohs were considered gods themselves.

Elite control is very present in society s justice system. People with

large amounts of money or power always get a slap on the wrist for major

offenses while average people are persecuted to the full degree. How can a

President commit adultery, lie to the public, be involved in numerous scandals

and still get off scott free? How does a Politician retain his position after

being caught with illegal substances? Why do major business get fines or weak

punishments for high offenses like fraud? Something is obviously wrong with a

system that is supposed to be equal and provide justice. This idea that

justice operates equally is total fiction. These groups definitely control

who will be punished by controlling what laws are passed and how they will be

enforced.

Although it gives a discouraging outlook on life the Conflict theory to

me gives the best explanation of society. It explains religion, government,

social change, and many other aspects of society.