Approach to Conflict

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at the differences and the similarities between Karl Marx's and Lewis Coser's theories concerning social conflict. The paper explains how these similarities and differences are underscored by their different views of the relationship between the various segments of society and the nature of societal relationships as a whole. The paper also looks at which theory best explains the present conflict in Iraq and concludes that Marx's theory is best suited for this particular conflict.

From the Paper:

"On the one hand, a Marxian analyses of societal conflict views conflict as symptomatic of sociological dysfunction and a sign of bias and error within the nature and structure of the system. Coser on the other hand sees conflict as a necessary and positive factor in the overall process of retaining balance between the components of a society which is essentially in harmony and fundamentally sociologically homogenous. The difference is in emphasis and tenor; while Marx would see contemporary capitalist society in a negative and exploitive light, Coser views society positively and sees conflict as an adjustment mechanism to maintain balance in a system that is essentially functional. This difference becomes obvious in a cursory overview of the Marxian view of society."

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