hat is Consensus and Conflict Theory?

· Consensus is a general or widespread agreement among all members of a particular society. 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.

· Conflict is a clash or disagreement between ideas, principles and people

· Consensus theories see shared norms and values as fundamental to society; focus on social order
based on tacit agreements, and view social change as occurring in a slow and orderly fashion. In
contrast, conflict theories emphasize the dominance of some social groups by others, see social order as
based on manipulation and control by dominant groups and view social change as occurring rapidly and
in a disorderly fashion as subordinate groups overthrow dominant groups (Ritzer, 2000). It is a theory or
collection of theories which places emphasis on conflict in human society (Jary and Jary, 2000:105).

Is it possible in such society to have no conflict?

· Dahrendorf recognizes that society can not exist without both conflict and consensus, which are
prerequisites for each other. Thus, we cannot have conflict unless there is some prior consensus.

What is the focus of Conflict Theory?

· According to Horton and Hunt (1984), conflict theory focuses on the heterogeneous nature of
society and the differential distribution of political and social power. A struggle between social classes
and class conflicts between the powerful and less powerful groups occur.

What is the larger issue for conflict theorists?

· The larger issue for conflict theorists is the role that education plays in maintaining the prestige,
power, and economic and social position of the dominant group in society (Ballantine & Spade, 2004).

Where the conflict theory did came from?

· Grew out from the work of Karl Marx and focuses on the struggle of social classes to maintain
dominance and power in social systems.

· They explained change as emerging from the crisis between human beings and their society.
· They argued the theory characterized by class conflicts: bourgeoisie (rich owners) and proletariat
(poor workers).

What is status culture?

· Refer to groups in society with similar interests and positions in the status hierarchy.

· Max Weber argues that schools teach and maintain particular “status cultures”

· Education systems may train individuals in specialties to fill needed positions or prepare
“cultivated individuals” (those who stand above others because of their superior knowledge and
reasoning abilities (Sadovnik, et. Al, 1994).