1. A Lens for Human Behaviour
Conflict Theory
A Lens for Human Behaviour

2. The Root of Conflict A
Conflict is motivated by inequalities of power
Power - the ability to influence others’ behaviour
People act in the interest of power
Micro analysis of individuals applies equally to a macro analysis of institutions
Socioeconomic analysis of society
Many theories proposed to explain the mystery of human behaviour
Power – core concept of conflict theory
Human behaviour is driven by conflict. Respect for teachers, the presentation of this assignment, clothing, actions, thought-life  power/powerlessness

3. Marxism Capitalism promotes the exploitation of workers
“The Communist Manifesto” – Karl Marx & Friedrich Engels
Capitalists seek to increase profits as much as possible, and workers seek to earn as much profit as possible
Relationships between capitalists and workers are always problematic
To gain as much profit as possible, cheap labour

4. Marxism & Conflict Theory
Root causes of social conflict were power disputes
Birth of conflict theory came through marxist criticism
Basis in competition over resources

5. Competition First rule of Conflict TheoryA
First rule of Conflict Theory
Social relationships are based on competition over resources
Holding resources means holding power
HENRY
Examples of scarce resources (money, pleasure, leisure, sexual partners)
We all try to gain as much as possible for ourselves
What we are trying to gain is power

6. Structural Inequality
Social structures are designed around inequalities
Power and reward are unequally distributed
Those benefitting from social structures will naturally prefer that they remain in place
HENRY
Bias  subjectivity  opinion  position
e.g. political parties

7. Revolution Change occurs because of conflict between classes
The interests of social classes are often conflicting
Change occurs when competing interests collide
e.g. Teaching strikes
Change is revolutionary, not evolutionary (rapid vs. gradual)
Any form of strike happens when a worker feels their needs are not being met by an employer. Teaching strikes are a good example of this.
Ontario teachers recently went on strike, because their wages were frozen (stopped increasing), and they were legally denied the right to walk off the job. This came when a bill was passed freezing wages and banning their quitting. This is an example of where one group feels powerless because the scarce resources they are competing over are not provided, and because they have competing interests with their employer.

8. War H
War unifies people
In response to a conflict, citizens feel camaraderie with one another
Perfect example of how conflict is in our nature
War often presents an end to conflict – an end to societies
HENRY

9. Who Cares? What purpose does this theory serve anyway?
When applied to politics, hasn’t it caused greater conflict?
e.g. U.S.S.R., Cuba
Are there no better explanations for human behavior?
ANIL
HENRY  PROBLEMS WITH COMMUNISM, which is conflict theory applied to politics

10. Conflict Theory as a Social Aid
Using conflict theory as an analytical tool, we can better understand class divisions, and social problems
Class divisions are a major source of social disorder
Identifying the problem at hand exposes a problem; identifying the roots of the problem exposes a solution
Considers the perspective of those without power

11. Works Cited
Karl Marx. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy . Stanford University, 14 June Web. 11 Oct ‹
Nussbaum, Ian. Individuals and families in a diverse society. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, Print.