Conflict Theory Essay

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Conflict theory are perspective in sociology psychology that accentuate the social, political, or material inequality of a social group, that analysis the broad socio-political system, or that weaken from structural functionalism and ideological conservatism. With conflict theory, you will see tensions, status, and power are unevenly distributed between groups in society, which these conflicts become the purpose of social change. Conflict theory usually arise due to competition and limited resource that is feed by domination and power, rather than consensus and conformity. This is seen a lot on macro level. As a social worker, you will see and use conflict theory throughout your professional. Key Words: Conflict theory, social work, society, …show more content…

More specifically, they are interested in the ways that people use power to resist or create change. Abraham, (1988) (pg. 60). According to Abraham (1988), “He identified two categories of conflict, Endogenous conflict which refers to conflict that occurs within a system or a society. It includes conflict about change, values, the distribution of desired resources, and authority. It may also include conflict between the individual and society. Exogenous conflict which refer to conflict that occurs between systems or from the external environment and is generally based on wars, cultural invasion, and ideology.” (pg. …show more content…

Using the method of conflict theory in practice poverty and oppression make the most sense to focus in these areas. Social stratification is the process by which people are grouped hierarchically constructed on inequalities in wealth, power, prestige, access to resources, and life opportunities. Also, the target population is commonly based on differences in gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, linguistic groups, sexual orientation, disability, caste, and class. The problem with this target population is the fact that poverty and oppression like structure can be seen most clearly in the continuing overrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities among the poor. Observed, this leads to the increasing alienation of the poor people of color in communities of highest unemployment and deepest poverty, and leads to an utter hopelessness that often comes with being Black or Hispanic and poor. Harrington (1997) (pg. 88). Another target populations, has been the “glass ceiling,” or invisible barrier, that keeps women and minorities from attaining top jobs. While the ideal of equal opportunity is espoused, it is far from a reality. Women and minorities continue to “peak out” at a low level of management. Kelborn (1995) (pg.

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