Functions of Social ConflictLewis 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 333 | 33 |
Hostility and Tensions in Conflict Relationships | 39 |
Copyright | |
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A. R. Radcliffe-Brown action aggressive American sociologists analysis antagonism antagonistic associations Bronislaw Malinowski central Chapter coalition common concern conflict behavior conflict situation contenders discussion disruptive dissenter distinction divergent Durkheim elements 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 Robert Robert K Robert Michels Robin Williams role safety-valve institutions sect Simmel's proposition social conflict Social Sciences 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 York