Conflict theorists are the on the opposite end of philosophical spectrum of structural functionalists. People who are a mix of the two, are called
synthetic theorists. Conflict theorists believe that inequities exist in
society because of the way society is structured. They also believe strongly in "
conspiracy theory" type explanations of social problems. For example, a conflict theorist would believe the following things about the following
social institutions:
Family: serves as the chief means of subordinating; teaches inequality by encouraging male power and control over children and women; encourages women and children to be viewed as private property; a "microcosm of inequality" in the larger society
Religion: legitimizes inequality in society; stifles social change; serves as sources of conflict among groups; "
opiate of the masses"
Education:
credentialism maintains and perpetuates
social inequality and the power of elites; teaches inequality is justifiable; teaches dominant group values; teaches conformity; tracks students according to social status/ascription rather than ability
Politics: reflects competing needs for resources; is used by those who get a larger share of resources to further their own interests; established to protect and encourage elite values (esp. economic elites and power elites)
Economy: leads to exploitation of workers (the "
proletariat" by owners/managers (the "
bourgeois") under capitalist systems; creates conflict among competing groups (under
capitalist systems); only works to meet social and material needs of some people and groups ("the haves") and neglects/alienates others ("the have nots").