4 - Conflict Theories (Marxism, Neo-Marxism, Feminism)

Conflict Theory

When a theory is based on the conflicts between groups in society

Capitalism

An economic system based on private ownership of the means of production, competitive markets, and profit maximisation

Imagined Solutions

Subcultures are not actual solutions to social or economic problems, instead they’re ‘magical’ or ‘imaginary’ solutions that allow working class youths to deal with their frustrations

Ideological Control

The manipulation of consciousness by dominant groups to make their world view seem natural, justified, and accepted by the majority, preventing social change

Ideological Resistance

The ways individuals or groups challenge, subvert, or reject the dominant beliefs and values imposed by powerful institutions

‘Policing the Crisis’

Hall’s study on how the 1970s UK media and state created moral panic around ‘mugging’ to scapegoat young black men

Hegemony

The dominance of the ruling class in capitalist societies, maintaining power through cultural and ideological consent rather than just force

Civi Unrest

Collective behaviour driven by social, economic, or political inequality, systemic injustices like police brutality, and the breakdown of social controls

Scapegoating

The process of unfairly blaming a specific individual/group for complex social problems to distract from deeper structural issues

Intra-racial crimes

Where the offender and victim of a crime are the same race/ethnicity

Sub-subculture

A subculture within a subculture

• e.g. female punks

RiotGrrrl

A movement where women tried to re-appropriate their bodies and words from patriarchal control

Male stream

The historical dominance of male perspectives in sociological research, often ignoring, distorting, or marginalising women’s experiences

Political Act

Actions, policies, or behaviours that influence the distribution of power, or societal structure

Incorporation

The process of a dominant culture absorbing subversive, alternative, or counter-cultural styles, neutralising their rebellion