Functions of Social ConflictSimon and Schuster, 1964 - 192 pages Lewis Coser presents an examination of the concept of social conflict and its use in empirical sociological research in this “lucid, comprehensive essay in social theory” (American Journal of Sociology). The positive values of conflict for all societies come to light in this study that reveals how conflicts fulfill social functions such as the maintenance of group boundaries and the prevention of the withdrawal of members of a group. Lewis Coser is critical of the view that conflict is dysfunctional and works to demonstrate its inadequacies. In a series of basic propositions distilled primarily from the theories of Georg Simmel, Coser clarifies the function of social conflict. Beyond this, Functions of Social Conflicts extends these propositions and relates them to psychoanalysis and empirical research theories. |
Contents
Introductory | 15 |
Conflict and Group Boundaries | 33 |
Hostility and Tensions in Conflict Relationships | 39 |
InGroup Conflict and Group Structure | 67 |
Conflict with OutGroup and Group Structure | 87 |
Ideology and Conflict III | 111 |
ConflictThe Unifier | 121 |
Conflict Calls For Allies | 139 |
Conclusion | 151 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
A. R. Radcliffe-Brown action aggressive American sociologists antagonism antagonistic associations central Chapter cleavage coalition common concern conflict behavior conflict situation contenders discussion disruptive dissenter distinction divergent elements Elton Mayo Emile Durkheim employers enemy exist expression feelings of hostility fight flict Freud functions of conflict Georg Simmel goal group structure Harper Bros hence heretic hostile feelings individuals Industrial Sociology intense interaction interests internal cohesion internal conflict involvement Kurt Lewin labor leads maintain Max Weber means Mensheviks ments Merton modern nonrealistic conflict norms occasions for conflict organization participants parties political realistic conflict rela relations relationship result rigidity Robert K Robin Williams role safety-valve institutions sect Simmel's proposition social conflict social structure social system society sociologists Sociology sociology of conflict solidarity Talcott Parsons tend tension Theory threat threatened tion total personality types of conflict unification unifying unions unity V. O. Key York