Success in Sociology STPGT(SELECTION TEST FOR POST GRADUATE TEACHER)

 

📘 Notes

1. Conflict Perspective – General Propositions

• Definition: A sociological perspective that emphasizes conflict, power struggles, and inequality as central to social life.

• Inspired by Karl Marx, but developed further by later sociologists.

• Key Assumptions:

  1. Society is not a harmonious system but full of conflicts.

  2. Conflict arises due to unequal distribution of power, resources, and authority.

  3. Social change is driven by conflict rather than consensus.

  4. Institutions often serve the interests of dominant groups.

• Focus: Power, domination, exploitation, resistance, and inequality.

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2. Views of Ralf Dahrendorf

• A Neo-Marxist thinker who modernized conflict theory.

• Main Propositions:

  1. Authority is the basis of conflict – not just ownership of property (like Marx said).

  2. Every society has two groups:

     • Those who have authority (dominant, ruling group).

     • Those who are subject to authority (subordinate, oppressed group).

  3. Conflict between these groups is natural, inevitable, and leads to social change.

  4. Change is normal in society; stability is temporary.

• Dahrendorf sees society as made of imperatively coordinated associations (ICA) – organizations where authority is exercised.

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3. Views of Lewis A. Coser

• Combined insights of Marx and functionalism.

• Main Contributions:

  1. Conflict has positive functions (not always destructive).

     • Strengthens group identity.

     • Promotes social change.

     • Clarifies values and norms.

  2. Conflict within groups: Can help release tension and prevent bigger breakdowns.

  3. Conflict between groups: Increases group solidarity.

  4. Differentiated between realistic conflict (based on actual struggles for resources, power) and non-realistic conflict (emotional, symbolic, hostility without material basis).

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❓ Questions and Answers

Q1. What is the basic idea of the conflict perspective?

Ans: The conflict perspective holds that society is marked by inequality and power struggles, and conflict is the driving force of social change.

Q2. How does Dahrendorf’s view differ from Marx’s?

Ans: Marx emphasized class conflict based on property, while Dahrendorf emphasized authority-based conflict present in all associations.

Q3. What are Imperatively Coordinated Associations (ICA)?

Ans: According to Dahrendorf, ICAs are organizations where authority is exercised, leading to domination and subordination.

Q4. State two positive functions of conflict as per Coser.

Ans: Conflict strengthens group unity and promotes social change.

Q5. What is the difference between realistic and non-realistic conflict?

Ans: Realistic conflict is based on real issues (resources, power), while non-realistic conflict arises from emotional needs or hostility without material basis.

Q6. Who said that “stability in society is only temporary, change is permanent”?

Ans: Ralf Dahrendorf.