The Marxism theory is the cornerstone of all relationships, but suggests that the economy can bring power, while the conflict theory is only the cornerstone of all relationships. They both advocate for social relationships, but the latter does not support the issue that power can only be gained by economics. Conflict theory is an alternative of functionalism, and it gives a macro sociological perspective (Bartos & Wehr, 2002).
It brings out the elements that are normally constant in the society, and these are hostility and resentment. Power is different in the different levels of social status. Resources are also fought over by special interested groups. Karl Marx believed that all humans can reach their fullest potential and they can also make their own history. It also advocates for combination of materials, ideal structural and cultural factors. The society is divided into two classes the bourgeoisie and the proletariat and the classes differ with personal ownership of property. Conflict theory suggests that competition puts a society in turmoil and in an unstable manner this can be settled by domination which can be gained by groups that are powerful. Marxist theory suggests that those individuals that are exploited will form groups and eliminate struggles based on classes. Marxists is also enriched by factors like social prestige and political influence (Clinard & Meier, 2011). Contributions were made to support the conflict theory provided support that society interactions were the sum of the individual. Both theories prove that change is inevitable.
Differences can be seen in all types of interactions. Both theories stick to a different kind of class. They depict the differences between these two theories and the similarities too.
Certain groups are considered deviant depending on the society in which the group operates. Factors like cannibalism are approved in some societies, but in some it is not and is considered inhumane. A group is considered deviant if bad conformity occurs and the members agree with it will or can be considered deviant. Certain groups are considered deviant when they do not follow the rules or rather conform to the norms of the society.
Vigilante groups are considered deviant due to their acts which can be harmful to other members of the society. Deviance in relation to crime is an issue which can lead to a group being termed as deviant this can be due to legal, crime, or crime related issues these are some of the reasons that cause deviance (Bartos & Wehr, 2002). Habits like drinking, smoking are harmful to the health of any human being but are not considered deviant in some communities. These habits are harmful though due to conformity by many people they are not considered deviant because of the number of people consuming the products with much pressure on the people consuming the product that they formed groups and dominated the production of these products and influenced habits and this, led to the non deviant consumption of smoking, which is harmful.
They even provide warnings that are written in the products and advertisement, which is made such that the consumers, make the decision to take the product on their own free will. It escapes the issue of deviance in the consumption of the product. Labeling is another issue that hides the deviance such that the activities that are considered harmful are consumed like anything that is not harmful (Clinard & Meier, 2011).
Works Cited
Bartos, O. J., & Wehr, P. E. (2002). Using conflict theory. New York: Cambridge University
Press.
Clinard, M. B., & Meier, R. F. (2011). Sociology of deviant behavior. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth
Cengage Learning.
