Conflict Theory and Critical Theory – Key Concepts

A set of practice flashcards covering key concepts from conflict theory, Weber, Simmel, Gumplowicz, and the Frankfurt School's critical theory.

What is conflict theory and its level of analysis?

A macro-level sociological perspective that views society as a competition for limited resources, associated with Karl Marx.

Who is Karl Marx in relation to conflict theory?

A German philosopher and sociologist who portrayed society as divided into classes contending for social, material, and political resources.

What resources do people compete for according to conflict theory?

Social, material, and political resources such as food, housing, employment, education, and leisure time.

How do social institutions relate to conflict theory?

They reflect competition and inherent inequalities, and winners use power to maintain institutions, helping perpetuate oppression.

What did Ludwig Gumplowicz contribute to conflict theory?

He argued war and conquest are the bases of civilizations and that cultural/ethnic conflicts create states dominated by a powerful group.

What did Max Weber add to the understanding of conflict?

He argued that inequalities of political power and social structure, in addition to economic inequalities, affect groups differently based on education, race, and gender; mobility and legitimacy shape outcomes.

What did Georg Simmel say about conflict?

Conflict can help integrate and stabilize society; its intensity depends on emotional involvement, solidarity, and goal clarity; stronger group bonds reduce discord and resolving conflicts can pave the way for future agreements.

What is the Frankfurt School and critical theory?

A group of German philosophers in the 1930s–1940s that developed critical theory, an expansion of Marxist principles that is holistic and addresses structural inequality across social sciences and philosophy.

How does critical theory differ from traditional conflict theory?

It broadens Marxist principles beyond sociology, incorporating philosophy and other social sciences to explain and address structural inequalities in current social reality.

What is the role of legitimacy in Weber's view of inequality?

People's perceptions about the legitimacy of those in power influence their reactions to inequality.

How do education, race, and gender affect inequality according to Weber?

Different groups are affected differently, with effects moderated by class differences and social mobility.

How does conflict theory explain the perpetuation of oppression?

Winners of resources use their power to maintain social institutions, thereby preserving the unequal social order and oppression.