Social Dimensions of Education

Consensus
and Conflict
Theories
Anna Katherine Arsolon
Learning Objectives
Provide a definition of Explain the relationship

1. the terms 'Consensus'

and 'conflict'
3. between the conflict
and consensus theory

Determine how the

Describe the difference

2. between Consensus
and Conflict theory
4. consensus and conflict
theories affect the
functions of schools
Introduction
Sociologists see education as one of the major
institutions that constitutes society. While theories guide
research and policy formulation in the sociology of
education, they also provide logical explanations for why
things happen the way they do. These theories help
sociologists understand educational systems.

This chapter presents an introduction to the social

science theories of education - consensus and conflict,
structural functionalists and interaction theories as
related to education.
 Consensus
- is a general or widespread agreement among
all members of a particular society.

Conflict
- a disagreement or clash between opposing
ideas, principles or people.
Dahrendorf (1959, 1968) as cited by Ritzer (2000) is the
major exponent of the position that society has two faces
(conflict and consensus) and that sociological theory
therefore should be divided into two parts, conflict theory
and consensus theory.
CONSENSUS vs. CONFLICT
Theory

Consensus theory Conflict theory

shared norms and values dominance of some social groups

social order as based on manipulation

social order based on tacit agreements
and control by dominant groups
social change as occurring in a slow and social change as occurring rapidly and
orderly fashion. in a disorderly fashion
Dahrendorf recognizes that society cannot exist
without both conflict and consensus, which are
prerequisites for each other. Thus, we cannot have
conflict unless there is some prior consensus.
Conflict Theory
According to Horton and Hunt (1984)
focuses on the heterogeneous nature of
society and the differential distribution
of political and social power.

A struggle between social classes and

class conflicts between the powerful and
less powerful groups occur.
“What is the impact of conflict
theory in the Philippine
education system?”

Schools contribute to the unequal distribution of people

into jobs in society
Powerful members of society maintain the best positions
Less powerful groups (often women, racial and ethnic
groups) often minority groups, are allocated to lower
ranks in society.
What is the role of education
in assuming the conflict
theory?
Education plays in maintaining the prestige,
power, and economic and social position of
the dominant group in society
The Conflict Model
Social structures produce patterns of inequality in the
distribution of scarce resources

Conflict

Reorganization and change

 What causes conflict
within a particular human
society?
Conflict theorists are interested in how society’s institutions —the
family, government, religion, education, and the media — may help to
maintain the privileges of some groups and keep others in a
Subservient position.

Consensus theory is concerned with the maintenance or

continuation of social order in society, in relation to accepted
norms, values, rules and regulations as widely accepted or
collectively by the society—or within a particular society itself.
Consensus Theorists

Emile Durkheim
Talcott Parsons

Conflict theorists

Karl Marx
Max Weber
The works of Marx in his early years was interpreted by some
social theorists as emphasizing the role of human beings in
social conflict.

class conflicts or the conflict between the bourgeoisie (rich

owners) and the proletariat (poor workers).
 Max Weber
- schools teach and maintain particular
“status cultures.”

Schools are homogeneous in their student

bodies.
Education systems train individuals in
Status cultures
refers to groups in
specialties to fill needed positions or
society with similar prepare “cultivated individuals”
interests and
positions in the
status hierarchy.
 ...........................

THANKYOU!
...........................