Understanding Social Conflict: Consensus and Conflict Theories
Consensus Theory or Integration or Social Cooperation
This theory views conflict as a model for analyzing reality and is part of the study of social structure. It proposes an order where individuals are interconnected and contribute to a social whole, forming a community with shared values.
This interpretation of social conflict is based on the following theses:
- Thesis of Stability: Society is a stable and unified system.
- Thesis of Balance: Every society is a balanced system of elements.
- Thesis of Functionalism: Every element of society contributes to its functioning.
- Thesis of Consensus: Society is maintained by the consensus of all its members who share common values.
The consensus theory is often articulated around the functionalist or structural sociological model. This model suggests that society is composed of elements that form a social system, and its stability depends on the degree of integration of its members.
According to this theory, conflict is seen as a pathological deviation from the social structure, a disruption of the social order.
Theory of Conflict or Social Competition
This theory understands society as a coercive organization based on domination, presenting it as an arena of power relations where certain individuals dominate the group.
This theory rests on the following theses:
- Thesis of Historicity: All members of society, like society itself, are historically subject to change.
- Thesis of Explosiveness: The elements of a society are contradictory.
- Thesis of Dysfunction: Each member of society contributes to its change.
- Thesis of Duress or Coercion: Society is maintained by the power and coercion exerted on each other.
The conflict theory aligns with the dialectical approach of historical materialism, which originates from Marx and Engels’ “Communist Manifesto” (1848). This approach views conflict as the driving force of history and a more realistic and integral aspect of social dynamics than a pacifist, integrated whole. Social systems are organized not around consensus and shared values, but based on conflict situations.
Downplaying disputes ignores social reality. Social conflict is rooted in social movements, and the antagonism of interests between parties invigorates society. Society progresses through conflict, which is essential for progress and social change. Denying conflict is denying social change itself.
According to this theory, the conflict of interests arises from various components of social reality, leading to social conflict.
From the perspective of conflict theory, its components are:
- Economic Component: Highlights the tension between employer and employee.
- Political Component: Refers to the control exercised by political power.
- Social Component: Originates from the struggle to achieve a higher position in society.
- Cultural Component: Relates to the control and possession of cultural media.
Since the emergence of employment and dependency, social conflict and class struggle have arisen in capitalist societies, particularly during the historical phase where industry was central to the production system. This conflict stemmed from the opposition of interests between employers and employees.
Socio-labor conflict is not just another conflict in society; it is the primary conflict. There is no qualitative difference between labor conflict and social conflict, as the former is always a manifestation of the latter. This social conflict, including labor disputes, produces a class society, necessitating a legal framework (Labor Law) to channel and resolve such conflicts.
Labor Law elevates the legal status of the conflict process between labor and capital, particularly since the separation between owners of the means of production and owners of labor. This led to the birth of class society and the legal recognition of individual freedom and dignity.
Past relations of domination disappear, and through the rule of law, social disputes are settled until a satisfactory solution is reached.