Conflict theories are perspectives in
sociology and
social psychology that emphasize the social, political, or material inequality of a
social group, that critique the broad socio-political system, or that otherwise detract from
structural functionalism and
ideological conservatism. Conflict theories draw attention to power differentials, such as
class conflict, and generally contrast historically dominant ideologies. It is therefore a macro level analysis of society.
Karl Marx is the father of the
social conflict theory, which is a component of the 4 paradigms of sociology. Certain conflict theories set out to highlight the ideological aspects inherent in traditional thought. Whilst many of these perspectives hold parallels, conflict theory
does not refer to a unified school of thought, and should not be confused with, for instance,
peace and conflict studies, or any other specific theory of
social conflict.