Conflict Theory

Karl Max and Conflict Theory

Karl Max is credited with developing conflict theory. According to the notion, competition for scarce resources keeps society’s conflicts going on a continual basis. According to the thesis, dominance and power, rather than popular consensus and conformity, preserve the social order in a society or nation. The idea also holds that those in positions of money and power will often use all means necessary to maintain their position by repressing the weak and the impoverished. In the article Group conflict theory in a longitudinal perspective: Analyzing the dynamic side of ethnic competition by Prado and Lancee, they argue that the current migration crisis to Canada is based on the conflict theory. The authors correctly apply the theory by stating how the immigrants are facing opposition from Canadians (Lancee & Pardos-Prado, 2013). The Canadians are already rich as a result of years of saving and building their country. The immigrants on the other hand are suffering as a result of their country being torn either through war or economic sabotage.

Conflict Theory and the Migration Crisis

The arguments are true because the Canadians are rich and powerful while the immigrants are poor and powerless. As a result, the people that have power and wealth try to hold onto it at all cost even if it means going against humanity. Another theory cannot be used in this context because this theory fits the problem. The reason is that conflict theory postulates that conflicts arise from competition for limited resources. In this instance, Canadians do not want the immigrants because they will pose competition to their limited resources which they have amassed over the years.

Reference

Lancee, B., & Pardos‐Prado, S. (2013). Group conflict theory in a longitudinal perspective: Analyzing the dynamic side of ethnic competition. International Migration Review, 47(1), 106-131.