Similarities and Differences between Consensus Theory and Conflict Theory

Similarities and Differences between Consensus Theory and Conflict Theory

 

INTRODUCTION

Consensus theory seeks to determine what all people in a society have in common. This commonality becomes the center of the public persona of the society. The consensus approach stresses the fact that the reality of the consensus, that single public persona, must predate the actual articulation of that consensus. In other words, it is both a social reality and a means of understanding that reality.

Conflict theory, on the other hand, seeks to determine who, why and how those with power have imposed specific aspects of culture on a society. According to conflict theory, culture is the means by which the powerful, who are those with wealth or social status, impose their will on society. Ultimately, the powerful hope to make “culture” seem like consensus, while in reality, it is the creation of the elite.

 

Similarities and Differences between Consensus Theory and Conflict Theory

Similarities

• As the two theories aimed at understanding the human behaviour, knowing the difference between conflict and consensus theory can only be more helpful to you.
• These two theories are very much used in social sciences. These two theories are usually spoken of as in opposition based on their arguments.
• The consensus theory emphasizes that the social order is through the shared norms, and belief systems of people.
• Both theories view society as a system of social structures and both agree that these social structures exist within a society.
• These theorists believe that the society and its equilibrium are based on the consensus or agreement of people.
• Theory of consensus and theory of conflict are both important perspectives on group dynamics.
• Both consensus and conflict theories ultimately exist to promote a consensus.
• However, conflict theorists view the society in a different manner. They believe that the society and social order are based on the powerful and the dominant groups of society. They emphasize the existence of a clash in interests among different groups in society.

Similarities and Differences between Consensus Theory and Conflict Theory

Differences

• The consensus theory emphasizes that the necessity of shared norms and belief systems of people to maintain social order.
• These theorists do not pay a lot of attention to social change and consider it to be a slow process.
• They emphasize the integration of values.
• If an individual goes against the accepted code of conduct, he or she is considered as deviant.
• Conflict theory highlights that the society and social order are controlled by the powerful and the dominant groups of society.
• They emphasize the existence of a clash in interests among different groups in society.
• They reject the beliefs of consensus, shared norms and values.