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  • Essay / Conflict theory and models of social inequality in...

    When conflict is created, clash between groups within individuals can mean boundaries once the conflict is resolved. Simmel believed that we only faced common conflict because we had to. He explains his reasoning: "If we did not have the power and the right to oppose tyranny and obstinacy, caprice and tactlessness, we could not endure relationships with people who betray such characteristics” (Simmel 1904: 493). We go through positive and negative conflicts every day and if we couldn't bear such conflicts, this wouldn't happen. Under Simmels' conflict theory, there are two groups of men as far as "society" is concerned. There is an individual and individuals who make up a society. This notion of conflict revisits the idea of ​​competition for resources. The resources necessary for subtle survival can be obtained by the elite from the poorest class; while this class suffers at the bottom. Although the two can relate conflict theory in the same scope, Cower notes flaws in Simmel's research. Simmel does not mention the fact that there are other means than conflict that can achieve similar tension-releasing functions. Cowser also noted that Simmel did not differentiate between two essential elements, hostile feelings and conflicting behaviors. (Cowser