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Essay / The Conflict Theory Perspective on Poverty the world. Although there are various theories seeking to explain the root causes of poverty, one of the most prominent perspectives is conflict theory. Developed by sociologist Karl Marx, conflict theory posits that society is characterized by constant struggle and competition for resources, power, and opportunities. In the context of poverty, conflict theory helps us understand how social inequalities and power dynamics contribute to the perpetuation of poverty among certain groups in society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayThe Structural Nature of PovertyAccording to conflict theory, poverty is not simply the result of individual shortcomings or failures personal, but rather a systemic problem that is deeply rooted in the structure of society. This perspective emphasizes the role of social institutions, such as the economy, the education system, and the political system, in the perpetuation and reproduction of poverty. From a conflict theory perspective, poverty is maintained by the unequal distribution of resources and the exploitation of marginalized groups by those in power. For example, conflict theorists argue that the capitalist economic system inherently creates and perpetuates poverty by concentrating wealth and power in the hands of a handful of elite individuals and corporations. As a result, those at the bottom of the socio-economic hierarchy find themselves without access to the resources and opportunities needed to escape poverty. This unequal distribution of resources and power creates a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break without a fundamental restructuring of society's economic and social systems. Power Dynamics and Poverty Another key aspect of conflict theory is its emphasis on power dynamics in the formation of social relations and the perpetuation of inequalities. In the context of poverty, power dynamics play a critical role in determining who has access to resources and opportunities, and who is marginalized and excluded from economic and social participation. Conflict theorists argue that those in positions of power use their influence to maintain their own advantage at the expense of people in poverty, thereby reinforcing social hierarchies and perpetuating inequalities. In many societies, marginalized groups such as racial minorities, women, and immigrants are disproportionately affected by poverty due to systemic discrimination and lack of access to economic opportunities. Conflict theorists argue that these disparities are not accidental, but rather the result of intentional actions taken by those in power to maintain their own privileges and advantages. This unequal distribution of power and resources serves to perpetuate poverty and reinforce social inequalities, creating obstacles that poor people must overcome. Implications for Combating Poverty Understanding poverty through the lens of conflict theory has important implications for how we approach efforts to reduce poverty and promote justice. Rather than focusing only on individual behaviors or.
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