Conflict theory or social conflict theory originated from the work of Karl Marx, focusing on cause and consequences. In other words, the theory argues that conflicts arise between owners of factors of production or the rich and the working class. Therefore, Karl Marx is considered as the father of social conflict theory (Trevino, 2017). The conflict theory posits the interactions between individuals and groups are based on conflict and not consensus. Karl identifies one of the reasons for conflicts in society as a competition for limited resources. According to this theory, wealthy people in the community use their power to maintain social order and exploit groups with less power (Aye, 2020). This paper aims to increase the integration and understanding of the social conflict theory. Read more 

The basic principle of the conflict theory

The main argument in the social conflict theory is that the wealthy and influential people in society tend to hold on to their wealth and power by all possible means to oppress the poor and the powerless (Moshiri, 2019). Therefore, conflicts in society stem from competition between different groups over limited resources. The theory suggests that different groups or classes in society use social and economic institutions to maintain the ruling class’s inequalities and dominance, usually the rich (Moshiri, 2019). According to this theory, society is divided along with economic class (Moshiri, 2019). Conflict in society involves the bourgeois or the ruling class and the proletarian or the working class.

Definition of key terms and concepts

The major developments in human history, such as democracy and civil rights, are associated with conflict. Karl Marx believes that some level of competition precedes significant changes and developments in society. He claims that the uneven distribution of society’s resources is maintained through the bourgeois’ coercion to force acceptance by the proletarian (Moshiri, 2019). The theory believes that the ruling class tends to set-up laws, traditions, and structures to support their dominance. Social conflict theory

Strength and Weakness of the Conflict Theory

One of the strengths of the theory is that it liberates people from false claims of universality (Johnson, 2017). This is because the wealthy claim to represent freedom for all, but they pursue freedom for themselves. The social conflict theory’s weakness is that it ignores the fact that sport in capitalist societies can give individuals and groups power over others (Johnson, 2017). The theory also assumes that human being are good but civilization corrupt them.

Application of the theory in social work practitioner

The conflict theory explains how differential in power impacts the daily lives of individuals in society. In other words, conflict theory can be used to confront the sources and symptoms of inequalities. The theory also helps to understand the reasons behind the isolation of individuals and groups in society. Social conflict theory

My proposed intervention of social conflict theory

I will use the theory to reduce the gap between the wealthy and non-wealthy in society by advocating for equal distribution of resources and liberate people from the false claim of universality. I will also use the theory to reduce violence associated with conflicts. This is because it is because the theory provides that conflicts can be handled without engaging in violence.

In conclusion, social conflict theory was proposed by Karl Marx and argued that individuals and groups in society interact based on conflict and not consensus. In theory, the main argument is that the wealthy and powerful people in society tend to hold on to their wealth and power by all possible means as a way of oppressing the poor and the powerless. The theory seeks to liberate people from the false claim of universality. However, it makes an assumption that human beings are good but civilization corrupt them. The theory helps to understand the reasons behind the isolation of individuals and groups in society. I will use the theory’s arguments to push for equal distribution of wealth and avoidance of conflicts.