week 8 dq 1 response 386

Breanna Williams

Conflict theory is based on the principles that conflict is unavoidable, unequal distribution of power and resources, that there is a constant struggle for power and resources, and whoever is in control of the power and resources is the one to distribute resources (Langer & Lietz, 2014). The key role of a social worker is to seek social justice for inequality and advocate for the individuals which they serve. Understanding where the majority of the power lies within society and what resources are limited for the minority groups help aid social workers in their pursuit of equality and justice.  An example of this in a historical sense would be capitalism. According to Langer & Lietz (2014), capitalism occurs when the ruling class, factory owners, exploit the working class in order to make a profit. The workers are said to be distorted by a sense of false consciousness and believe that they are better off this way and eventually lose the human aspects of themselves. Marx proposed that there would be a revolution through emancipation that would lead to a classless society and bridge the gap of inequality (Langer & Lietz, 2014). A modern-day example would be the inequalities in the education system. There is a clear divide when it comes to what resources are available to the wealthy versus what is available to the lower classes. For example, those who are from a higher class are able to provide their children with tutors and other resources that give them a head start on their educational journey, whereas those from lower classes are unable to afford these resources.

Reference

Langer, C. L., & Lietz, C. (2014). Applying theory to generalist social work practice. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.