Conflict vs Consensus » Social Order and Social Change

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

The difference between conflict and consensus theories
How both theories explain social order and control
Different perspectives on social change
Real-world examples of conflict and consensus in action
How to apply these theories to contemporary social issues

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Conflict vs Consensus Theories: Two Ways of Seeing Society

Sociology offers different ways to understand how society works. Two major perspectives are conflict theory and consensus theory. These theories have different ideas about how social order is maintained and how social change happens.

Key Definitions:

Conflict Theory: A perspective that sees society as made up of groups competing for limited resources, with powerful groups maintaining control over others.
Consensus Theory: A perspective that sees society as based on shared values and agreement, with social institutions working together for stability.
Social Order: The way society maintains stability and organisation through norms, values and social control.
Social Change: The way societies transform over time, including changes to institutions, behaviours and social structures.

👊 Conflict Theory

Developed by Karl Marx and later sociologists, conflict theory sees society as divided between those with power and those without. Social order is maintained through power, control and sometimes force rather than agreement.

🤝 Consensus Theory

Also called functionalism, this theory (developed by Durkheim and others) sees society as working like a body with different parts cooperating. Social order comes from shared values and agreement on rules.

How Is Social Order Maintained?

Both theories have different explanations for how societies stay stable and orderly, but they disagree on whether this stability is good or bad.

The Consensus View of Social Order

According to consensus theorists like Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons, social order exists because most people agree on basic values and norms. Society functions smoothly when:

Socialisation: People learn society's rules through family, school and other institutions
Value Consensus: Most people share the same basic values
Social Control: Rules are enforced through both formal means (laws, police) and informal means (disapproval, gossip)

For consensus theorists, social control benefits everyone by creating a stable, predictable society where people can live peacefully.

Case Study: The Education System

From a consensus perspective, schools help maintain social order by teaching children shared values and preparing them for adult roles. Durkheim saw education as creating social solidarity by teaching children to be part of society. Schools teach both academic subjects and the "hidden curriculum" of punctuality, respect for authority and cooperation.

The Conflict View of Social Order

Conflict theorists like Karl Marx and later writers see social order very differently. They argue that order is maintained through:

Power and Coercion: The powerful use force (police, military) to control others
Ideological Control: The powerful control ideas and information to make inequality seem natural
False Consciousness: Oppressed groups accept their position because they've been taught it's normal

For conflict theorists, social order mainly benefits the powerful at the expense of everyone else.

Case Study: The Media and Ideological Control

Conflict theorists argue that mass media (owned by wealthy corporations) shapes public opinion to support the status quo. For example, news coverage might focus on individual criminals rather than examining how poverty creates crime. This makes people think crime is just about "bad individuals" rather than social inequality.

Understanding Social Change

Just as they disagree about social order, conflict and consensus theorists have different views on how and why societies change over time.

💪 Conflict View of Change

Change comes through struggle between groups with opposing interests. Revolution happens when oppressed groups become aware of their situation and fight back. Example: Workers organising to demand better conditions.

📝 Consensus View of Change

Change happens gradually as society adapts to new challenges. It's usually evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Example: New laws being created to address new technologies like social media.

🔬 Modern Perspectives

Many sociologists now combine elements of both theories, recognising that societies have both conflict and consensus. Example: Environmental movements involve both shared values and conflict with powerful interests.

Applying the Theories to Real Issues

Social Inequality

Conflict perspective: Inequality exists because powerful groups want to maintain their advantages. The wealthy use their influence to shape laws, education and other systems to keep their position.

Consensus perspective: Some inequality is necessary for society to function effectively. Different roles require different skills and training, so it makes sense they receive different rewards.

Crime and Deviance

Conflict perspective: Laws primarily protect the interests of the powerful. The crimes of the poor (like theft) are punished more severely than the crimes of the wealthy (like tax evasion).

Consensus perspective: Laws reflect shared values and protect everyone. Crime threatens social stability, so punishment helps maintain order that benefits all of society.

Case Study: The Climate Change Debate

The response to climate change shows both conflict and consensus elements. There's growing consensus about the need to address the problem (seen in international agreements like the Paris Accord). But there's also conflict between different interests - fossil fuel companies versus environmental groups, wealthy nations versus developing ones and current generations versus future ones.

Strengths and Limitations of Each Theory

✅ Strengths of Conflict Theory

Highlights power imbalances that might otherwise be ignored
Explains why some groups benefit more than others from social arrangements
Helps explain major social changes like revolutions

❌ Limitations of Conflict Theory

May overemphasise conflict and ignore genuine cooperation
Can be too focused on economic factors while ignoring others
Doesn't fully explain why many people feel their society's rules are fair

✅ Strengths of Consensus Theory

Explains how societies maintain stability over long periods
Recognises the importance of shared values in social life
Helps explain why most people follow rules without being forced

❌ Limitations of Consensus Theory

May ignore or downplay serious conflicts and inequalities
Can seem to justify the status quo even when it's unfair
Doesn't fully explain rapid social changes and revolutions

Exam Tips: Applying These Theories

In your IGCSE Sociology exam, you might need to apply these theories to different social issues. Here's how to approach this:

Always consider both conflict and consensus perspectives on any issue
Use specific examples to support your points
Remember that modern sociologists often combine elements of both approaches
Link your answer to concepts of power, inequality, values and social control
Consider how different groups in society might view the same situation differently

Summary: Key Differences Between Conflict and Consensus Theories

View of Society: Conflict sees division and competition; Consensus sees cooperation and shared values
Social Order: Conflict sees it as imposed by the powerful; Consensus sees it as agreed upon by most people
Social Change: Conflict emphasises revolution and struggle; Consensus emphasises gradual evolution
Inequality: Conflict sees it as harmful and unjust; Consensus sees some inequality as necessary and functional

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