When one attempts to analyze society through a macro-perspective, it becomes clear that such analysis is a highly challenging endeavor. With all the interlocking parts, different demographics of people, as well as local and national governmental structures and laws, it can be extremely difficult to make any sort of cogent observation. However, sociologists have attempted to broach these difficulties these developing paradigms through which individuals can examine society. The social-conflict paradigm is one such lens that is effective for such analysis. This paradigm argues that society is best understood as a system of class conflict, with inequality between different segments of society motivating forms of change that take place ("Understanding Conflict Theory"). In implementing this lens in my own life, I can see how this perspective makes me feel both in more control and less in control of my own life.
The social-conflict perspective on society leads me to feel more in control over my life in some ways. As noted, this perspective argues society is best understood as series of conflicts that occur regarding disparate social conditions among different classes in society. As a person who is not extremely wealthy, it is not difficult to see how people in higher classes are able to consolidate control over the government through campaign contributions and other forms of lobbying, or exploitative business practices are able to limit my salary and compensation. However, this perspective also makes me feel empowered because I realize that through class struggle I may be able to change the structure of society to benefit people like myself. Living in a democratic society in which governmental decisions are determined based on popular vote provides hope and a sense of control over my situation in that despite powerful people consolidating power, I may be able to overcome my condition in life.
Conversely, this perspective also makes me feel out of control of my life in some ways. Most prominently, the view that social conditions are the product of conflicts between different classes in society highlights for me just how much of my own life is out-of-my-control and rather in the control of institutions and different governmental regulations within society. For instance, merely receiving an education and working diligently may not be enough in all situations to achieve the goals I have set for myself because it’s possible that many options and opportunities that would be made available for me, such as job or educational opportunities, will be dictated by social power structures. While it may be possible for me to become part of a political movement to achieve the types of change I desire, if the candidate I support is not successful, I will lose the class conflict and find myself struggling, despite my work efforts.
Ultimately, sociological paradigms help students and scholars develop interpretations of society. In this process they can impact the extent that individuals feel they have control over their own lives. In my instance, the social-conflict perspective has both made me feel in control over my life, as well as made me feel completely powerless over some situations. While on one hand the opportunity for achieving change through political action motivates me and makes me feel in control over my life; on the other hand, the difficulty of being successful in such political change I feel is very limiting. However, being forced consider my condition in life within the spectrum of the social-conflict perspective has allowed me to gain a better understanding of society. Clearly, I realize this is not the only way to view the world, but it still is effective in providing an angle through which to frame one’s possible interactions with others and society in general.
Works Cited
"Understanding Conflict Theory". Sociology.about.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 6 Sept. 2016.
