A core tenet within sociological theory posits that society is characterized by persistent inequality and power struggles between different groups. This framework suggests that social order is maintained not through consensus or shared values, but rather through the dominance of certain groups over others. These groups compete for limited resources, including wealth, status, and influence. Social structures and institutions, according to this view, reflect and perpetuate these inequalities, serving the interests of the dominant groups at the expense of the less powerful. For example, disparities in educational opportunities can be analyzed through this lens, revealing how unequal access to quality education reinforces existing social hierarchies.
The significance of this theoretical approach lies in its ability to illuminate the underlying dynamics of social change and power relations. It provides a critical perspective on social issues, encouraging examination of the ways in which inequality is embedded in social systems and institutions. Historically, this viewpoint emerged as a challenge to functionalist perspectives, which emphasized social harmony and stability. It gained prominence through the works of thinkers who focused on the ways in which economic and political power shape social life, advocating for a critical awareness of social injustice and the potential for social transformation.
