Henri is studying sociology and has to write a paper on the structure of employment in a particular society using any of the main sociological perspectives. He elects to use conflict theory.
Which of the following elements is Henri likely to miss when he uses conflict theory?
A. The factors that cause social change
B. The factors that lead to social stability
C. The effects of class on society
D. The effects of unequal power on society
RATIONALE
Conflict theory focuses on the way inequalities contribute to social differences and perpetuate differences in power. It examines how conflicts arise from competition for scarce resources. Conflict theory can also explain the effect class has on people’s behaviors and lives. The element Henri is likely to miss is that it fails to adequately explain social stability. It also sometimes focuses on class to the exclusion of other axes of conflict.