MCAT® ExamPsychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of BehaviorMedium
A sociologist is studying a community where the majority group holds significant power and resources, while a minority group experiences systemic discrimination and limited opportunities for upward mobility. The minority group, in response, develops a strong sense of collective identity and actively challenges the existing social hierarchy through protests and advocacy. This scenario best illustrates which sociological perspective?
- AConflict Theory
- BFunctionalism
- CSocial Exchange Theory
- DSymbolic Interactionism
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Conflict Theory
Conflict Theory focuses on how power differentials are created and how these differentials contribute to the maintenance of social order through coercion and domination. The scenario describes a power struggle between groups, systemic discrimination, and active challenges to the social hierarchy, all central tenets of Conflict Theory.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Functionalism views society as a system of interconnected parts working together to maintain stability and equilibrium.
- C. Social Exchange Theory views social interactions as exchanges where individuals seek to maximize benefits and minimize costs.
- D. Symbolic Interactionism focuses on micro-level interactions and the meanings individuals attach to symbols.
Conflict Theory
A sociological perspective that views society as a competition for limited resources, emphasizing power differentials, social inequality, and the struggle between groups.
- Focuses on power and inequality
- Society is characterized by conflict and competition
- Social order maintained by domination and coercion
- Social change results from struggles between groups
Memory trick: Conflict sees class struggle, function sees harmony, symbols see meaning.