Posting by Ji yeon Kim - Week 11

Introduction to Sociology/The Causes of War & Conflict Theories

1. Summary

1) The Causes of War

There are various opinions of the causes of war.
Historians think war as being accidents.
Psychologists think war occurs because humans are inherently violent. War is human's nature and way of expressing that violence.
Anthropologists think war occurs because of enviornment and society.
Sociologists have two different opinions which is war as product of domestic conditions and as decisions of leaders and geopolitical conditions.
Information theories view cause of war is because of 'lack of information.'
Economists think war is economic consequence of chaotic and competitive international society system.
Marxists think war is means of retaining power of ruling class.

2) Conflict Theory

There are assumptions in conflict theory : Conflicts and Inequality occur because of limited resources. It is inevitable and interaction among humans will result conflicts. Lots of sociologists argue conflict theory. Among them, Karl Marx is father of conflict theory. He said conflicts primarily occur because of class conflicts and limited resources. Max Weber added concept of 'power, prestige and property' upon this theory. Wright Mill said creation of social structure is one of the results of conflicts. In modern society, we can see some examples of conflict theory. First, in society, the upper class(who has more power, prestige and property) exploit and deprive lower-classes to maintain their interests and increase their power. Second, Gap between rich and poor is getting bigger in society - This inequality can illustrate there is a competition for power between classes. Lastly, in modern society, crime is designed to be good for upper-classes.

2. Interesting Points and My opinions

With same topic, but different views can exist by many theories was interesting. If someone asks about causes of war, I'd rather choose that it is because of 'nurturing, socialization and environment'. I believe every human beings do not want 'war' inherently. Most leaders conduct a war for some profits of individuals or nations. They do not conduct so with only reason of they are inherently bad people. Conditions,Environments and Social Structure made them to provoke war.

3. Questions & Discussion Points

Q. Which opinion do you agree with?(casues of war) and Why?

Q. Is it possible to explain our whole society only in conflict theory?

Q. What can we do to stop war in society? What is the basic solution to stop it?

 

Let's discuss about them together.