Conflict Theory Key Terms

Oppression

the process by which people with vast social resources make people without them powerless to change their social conditions

Social Class

A group of people who share a socioeconomic position or status.

Subordination

Dominating another person through the use of power.

Class Consciousness

The beliefs that a person holds regarding one's social class or economic rank in society, the structure of their class, and their class interests

False Consciousness

The state of not knowing that you and the group you belong to , are being alienated and exploited

Exploitation

Using other people for personal or collective gain

Alienation

the process by which exploited and oppressed people are separated from their humanity or from their true human potential. They come to feel alien in their lives and society