Sociology reflection

of the of Sociology Reflection: Conflict Theories: Conflict theories are based on the works represented by Karl Marx. These theories illustrate that how power and force can change a social order. These theories further represent the idea that power and oppression can fragment a society and it will have a negative impact on the lives of people (Anderson and Taylor). It will push people to compete with each other to gain maximum social and economic resources. Conflict theories revolve around the concept that how social order is controlled and maintained by the authoritative figures with greater share in political, social and economic resources and how they dominate the lives of weaker groups. As a result, inequality among the groups increases without any moral values. Weaker groups follow the commands of authorities rather following shared values and norms to fulfill the needs of life. Inequality among the groups may occur on the basis of different elements; race, religion, social status, gender, political and many more.
Elements of Culture:
Beliefs, values, knowledge, language, symbols, objects and behaviors are some of the elements of a culture. A culture is the basic element that is required to form a structure of a society and it gives an identity to the groups. However, conflicts, coercion and power can damage these elements. As a result, the entire structure of a society would become fragmented. People would follow the commands dictated to them by the coercive figures and less on their values and beliefs. It will also adversely impact on their knowledge and behavior; hence, it would give rise to an uncivilized society.
Response:
“ The Hunger Games” is a perfect example to explain my point of view regarding the conflict theories and how it affects the elements of culture. In this movie, the politically, socially and economically advantaged groups rule over the weaker ones. It has been shown in the movie that how the coercive forces group the children in a competition where they were supposed to compete against each other to survive. The movie is based on the concept that “ only the most powerful can survive”. The movie clearly depicts that how authorities of the Capitol used their powers to bring the change in the social order of Panem. Inequality is the major highlighted issue in the movie that was formed due to oppressive rule. Fear is another key aspect shown in the movie which has adversely affected the mental and psychological health of the people. The movie clearly shows that how people struggle for economic and social resources, how they abnormally they behave and how obediently they follow the rules and wishes of their controllers. The movie projects a picture of a fragmented society with no moral values, ethics and beliefs. The participants of the tribune are killing each other for their own survival and to gain maximum resources for their living. It clearly symbolizes that how a society can be under the rule of an oppressing figure.
Works Cited:
Anderson, M. L. and Taylor, H. F. Sociology: The Essentials. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth (2009)