What is the Difference Between Conflict and Consensus Theory?

The main difference between conflict and consensus theories lies in their understanding of how social order is maintained and the role of shared norms, values, and beliefs in society. Here are the key differences between the two theories:

Consensus Theory:

• Emphasizes that social order is maintained through shared norms, values, and belief systems of people.
• Believes that society and its equilibrium are based on consensus or agreement.
• Sees social groups working together in harmony to achieve shared, communal goals.
• Examples of consensus theorists include Emile Durkheim and his concept of social solidarity.

Conflict Theory:

• Proposes that social order is maintained through a system of inequality.
• Views society as being based on the interests of one powerful group, which imposes its will on others.
• Stresses the existence of a clash in interests among different groups in society.
• Highlights the conflict of interests among people and the various forms of inequality that take place in political, economic, and educational aspects of society.
• Examples of conflict theories include Marxism and Feminism.

While both theories offer explanations for how social order is brought about, they do so in different ways. The consensus theory focuses on the shared norms and values that hold society together, while the conflict theory emphasizes the role of power, inequality, and conflict in shaping social order.

Comparative Table: Conflict vs Consensus Theory

Here is a table comparing the key differences between Conflict and Consensus Theories:

In summary, Consensus Theory focuses on the idea that society is based on shared norms, values, and beliefs, and that the process benefits the wider society. In contrast, Conflict Theory posits that society's social order is based on inequality and power dynamics, with the dominant groups benefiting from the process and a focus on acknowledging and addressing differences and conflicts.