Conflict Theory

Three types of power in intimate relationships

Power bases - what we bring into the relationship (knowledge or skills that reward partner) Power processes - techniques used to gain control (assertive, persuade, solve problems, coerce) Power outcomes - refer to the final decisions that are made.

Conflict Theory

Used to explain differences in social classes and the competition for resources. Scarce resources leads to conflict between the "haves" and "have nots" Focuses on how the social system only works for a select few people in society, and is the flaw in our social system.

Competition

When one member of the family gains, others lose.

Conflict

Conflict over scarce resources

According to the Conflict Theory, what keeps conflict from ending?

Conflict will never end due to a perpetual scarcity of resources, as well as an inequality of the distribution of such resources. It is through conflict that society changes and grows. Due to the perpetual nature of the scarce resources and impending conflict, the Conflict Theory seeks to manage inequality rather than resolve it.

Assertion and aggression

Assertion is acting to affirm rights and position. Aggression is the behavioral use of power to get others to behave to one's own advantage.

Concepts of Conflict Theory

Competition: when one member wins another loses. Conflict: direct confrontation between individuals over scarce resources. Assertion: acting in a way that affirms one's rights and position (but not at the expense of others) Power: the ability to control the direction or course of action of others. Threats: messages that communicate delivery of punishment if demands aren't met. Negotiation and bargaining: the exchange process designed to reach an agreement on a disputed issue. Conflict Management: seeks a way to keep conflict from escalating. Aggression: behavioral use of power to get others to behave to one's own advantage, even at expense of others. Conflict Resolution: redefining the situation so that the conflict is no longer perceived as being present. Consensus: when all parties see things the same way.

Assumptions of Conflict Theory

Humans are self-oriented, or focused on their own interests. "Societies operate under a perpetual scarcity of resources." Group dynamics are different in families than social groups. Conflict is a way to control scarce resources, we either face internal conflict or external conflict. Conflict can be classified as macrosocial or microsocial.

Conflict management

Involves dealing with the conflict while acknowledging the continued existence of the underlying completive structure.

Consensus

Is reached when all parties see things the same way.

Critique of Conflict Theory

It analyzes families in destructive, negative terms (conflict, power, competition) rather than positive constructive terms (cooperation, equity, compassion). It does not propose how families can improve. It does not engender a static view of families, but rather an always changing perspective. It does not lend itself to research or application that leads to skill-building. It encourages us to see families within their complex social systems. It takes into account the ever-changing elements brought into families by development, social events, social pressures, and internal and external forces.

History of conflict theory

Karl Marx, revolutionary communist, focused on the economic well-being of individuals in society--Inequality exists because those in control of resources actively defend their advantages. Social conflict exist between groups such as racial, gender, economic, religious, political. Max Weber, Georg Simmel, and Lewis Coser followed Marx's approach but focused on interpersonal uses of conflict theory.

Conflict Resolution

Refers to both the end state of conflict and the process of a given conflict's ending. There is no longer the issue of competing

Power

The ability to control the direction of action of others.

Negotiation and bargaining

The exchange process designed to reach an agreement.

Threats and promises

Threats are messages, not behaviors that communicate the delivery of punishment if demands are not met. Promises are messages, not behaviors that communicate the deliver of something positive ore rewarding if demands are not met.