The Conflict Theory by Karl Marx, Essay Example

Sociologists have placed micro and macro theories, which all seek to explain the behavior observed in the social phenomena. They did this by studying how people interact and influence each other. In the discussion below, we focus on the relevance of conflict, symbolic interaction and functionalism theories.

The conflict theory by Karl Marx is based on the issues of social stratification and inequality. He states that the ruling class has a way of ensuring that the poor continue to provide the services that will make them maintain their status. According to him, the world is made up of only two classes of people, that is, the ‘haves ‘and the ‘have nots.’ A conflict arises when the laborers notice the need to fight for their rights by getting better working conditions and remunerations. However, it is always difficult as this is not the wish of the ruling class creating the rift further.

The symbolic interaction according to Herbert Mead is all about how people interpret social signs based on their background and culture. This theory calls for cultural relativism in the view of the fact that people come from different cultures, thus, understanding the social symbols differently. For instance, looking a person right in the eyes while talking can be interpreted as being honest in the western culture, while being observed as rudeness in some parts of Africa.

On the other hand, the functionalism theory by Emile Durkheim seeks to explain that the society is a system, which comprises of many interdependent parts. If one part malfunctions, then the rest will be negatively affected as well.

Having studied the three sociological theories, I feel that the Karl Marx’s theory is the most relevant in today’s circumstances. This is owing to the social inequalities the world is grappling with. The well-off people continue to become richer at the expense of the poor, causing inequality as one of the major social concerns nowadays.