Consensus and conflict theory are two opposing sociological theories that seek to explain how society functions and how social order is maintained. These theories offer different perspectives on the role of power, social institutions, and social change in society.
Consensus theory is based on the idea that society is held together by shared values, norms, and beliefs. This theory suggests that social order is maintained through cooperation, mutual understanding, and agreement among members of society. According to consensus theorists, social institutions, such as the family, education system, and government, work together to promote social stability and cohesion.
Conflict theory, on the other hand, views society as being characterized by ongoing conflict and power struggles. According to this theory, social institutions, such as the economy, education system, and government, are seen as tools of the powerful, used to maintain their control over the less powerful. Conflict theorists argue that social change is driven by the struggle between different groups in society, with some groups seeking to maintain their power and privilege while others seek to challenge and change the existing social order.
One key difference between consensus and conflict theory is their approach to power and social inequality. Consensus theory tends to downplay the role of power and focuses on the ways in which social institutions work together to maintain social order. Conflict theory, on the other hand, emphasizes the role of power and highlights the ways in which those in positions of power use their influence to maintain their own interests and privilege.
Another key difference between the two theories is their view of social change. Consensus theory suggests that social change occurs gradually and peacefully, through cooperation and negotiation. Conflict theory, on the other hand, sees social change as occurring through conflict and struggle, as groups with different interests and values clash and fight for their rights and desires.
Overall, consensus and conflict theory offer different perspectives on how society functions and how social order is maintained. While consensus theory emphasizes cooperation and shared values, conflict theory emphasizes power dynamics and ongoing struggles for social change. Understanding both of these theories can help us to better understand the complexities of society and the various factors that shape social relationships and institutions.
(DOC) conflict vs Consensus Theory
Educational institutions take part on society in different aspects; such as on the peoples intellectual development, politics, economics and several other fields. Overall, the two theories have different predictions about human behavior, and it is important to know which one is being used when discussing a particular issue. It focuses on the differences between groups and how they interact, often leading to tensions and conflicts. In the remainder of the article, teacher professional development for learning to integrate DV composing into the curriculum as a new multimodal literacy practice is reviewed, followed by an overview of a growing body of work situated in a DV composing program that examines both teacher learning and subsequent changes in student engagement, learning, and school performance. The consensus theory also dictates how people handle conflict.
Difference between Consensus and Conflict Theory
It opens our eyes up to systems of oppression and inequality, as well as the those which work well for society and its people. The education system, also, could not produce complete conformity of the working class without the support of the family. The gender-based conflict that feminists describe is similar to the class struggle which is theorised in inequality. With the conflict model, the biggest issue with that would be the assumption and possibly the premise that the goals of the agency would be more important that the people and issues the people they protect face every day. Examples of structures or institutions of the society include Education, health care, family, legal system, economy, and religion.
Consensual and Conflict Model of the Justice System Argumentative Essay Essay Example
In conflict theory, war is the result of a cumulative and growing conflict between individuals and groups and between entire societies. They set the standard for behaviour and interaction - in other words, they can inform the norms that are typical of certain societies. Another way in which the correspondence theory works is by connecting levels reached within the education system to that of occupational levels Fulcher and Scott: 327. It is also helps to justify inequality, as the working class are led to believe that everyone is equal, however, in reality; the middle class are receiving more encouragement. Consensus is a concept of society in which the absence of conflict is seen as the equilibrium state of society based on a general or widespread agreement among all members of a particular society. The scientific consensus on climate change, for example, is that it is real and is happening now. Talcott Parsons developed the functionalist perspective, and it has been influential in shaping sociological thinking.
