Conflict Theory: External Forces Of Social Control

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Conflict Theory Conflict theory suggests that deviant behaviors result from social, political or material inequalities within a certain social group (Pawluch, 2016). This theory was first introduced by Karl Marx, who stated that society is in a constant state of conflict due to the competition for control over limited resources (Pawluch, 2016). More specifically, societal order is maintained by domination and power; the tensions within society are a direct result of the unequal distribution of resources, status and power, becoming the driving force for social change. With President-Elect Donald Trump in the transition period before taking office, many people are unsure of what the future holds for the democratic state. With that …show more content…
Influences may also come from the presence of other societies within a given society’s environment; external events are ones, which have occurred on a large scale and affect an entire nation or several nations. Such examples may be taken from the American Civil War and September 11th. At the Standing Rock Sioux reserve in North Dakota, hundreds stand together in opposition of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Citizens who have large social media presences, as well as celebrities such as Shailene Woodley are coming together to stand against the development that is expected to devastate the surrounding environment, including the Missouri River, which many in the area rely on as their source of drinking …show more content…
The amputee competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics held in London, England and was seen as an icon for many, who proved to the world that he was just as capable as any other athlete. However, he was later convicted for the murder of his girlfriend and has since been held in a Johannesburg prison, completing his six year-long prison sentence. The article talks about how the convicted murderer was recently moved to a prison more accommodating to his disability at his request; the prison also offers rehabilitation services and development programs for

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