When a social conflict followed Coser's theory.

Discuss a real-life example in which a social conflict followed Coser's theory. According to Coser's (and Simmel's) insights, what function(s) did this conflict fulfill? In other words, why was it good for society - or at least some people within society?

Full Answer Section

n conclusion, the civil rights movement is a good example of a social conflict that followed Coser's theory. The conflict was often violent, but it also led to significant progress in terms of civil rights for African Americans. The conflict helped to clarify social norms and values, release tension, and create new social bonds.

Here are some additional insights from Coser and Simmel about the functions of social conflict:

  • Conflict can help to strengthen social bonds within a group. When people are united against a common enemy, they are more likely to see themselves as part of a group and to feel a sense of solidarity.
  • Conflict can help to improve communication and understanding between groups. When people are forced to interact with each other, they are more likely to learn about each other's perspectives and to develop a better understanding of each other.
  • Conflict can help to promote social change. When people are dissatisfied with the status quo, they may resort to conflict in order to bring about change. Conflict can be a catalyst for social reform and progress.

Of course, social conflict can also have negative consequences. It can lead to violence, destruction, and loss of life. However, Coser and Simmel argue that the potential benefits of social conflict outweigh the risks. They believe that conflict is a natural and inevitable part of social life, and that it can be a force for good if it is managed effectively.

Sample Answer

The civil rights movement in the United States is a good example of a social conflict that followed Coser's theory. The movement was a conflict between African Americans and white Americans over the issue of racial equality. The conflict was often violent, but it also led to significant progress in terms of civil rights for African Americans.

According to Coser's theory, social conflict can be functional for society in a number of ways. First, it can help to clarify social norms and values. In the case of the civil rights movement, the conflict helped to clarify the norms and values of equality and justice. Second, social conflict can help to release tension and prevent violence. The civil rights movement helped to release the tension that had been building up between African Americans and white Americans for many years. Third, social conflict can help to create new social bonds. The civil rights movement helped to create new bonds of solidarity among African Americans and between African Americans and white Americans who supported the movement.