Critical Cultural Issues: The Conflict Theory

Critical Cultural Issues
Kelly Wang
Conflict theory is an important Marxist theory that hypothesizes the social life of the society. Conflict theorists oppose the contemporary order model of the society opposing that the system maintained by the society deviates from general unification with differing cultures, disagreements in societal values, varying economic and political standpoints. In a conflict framework, order and stability are lacking effectively setting the tone for constant societal struggles that to achieve a specific shared objective. Conflict theory is critical in understanding the society at large providing obvious and rational examples of the growing social inequalities and constant struggles of the social class. Conflict theory provides a microanalysis of the society with particular emphasis on the perspectives that illuminate on the continuous battles and healthy competition, as constitutive of standard social systems in the society.
Conflict theory is interested in transforming society through social, economic and political emancipation. The emancipation provides the basis for a rejuvenated push to realize human potential. Conflict theory exposes the existing inequalities in society with victims becoming the main drivers to achieve social justice and equality. Sears observes that victims of social and societal injustices challenge the status quo by engaging in social disruptions and disorders that aim to bring balance. The victims of social crimes are, therefore, the primary drivers of change by actively engaging the general society to advocate and push for justice against the prevailing social norms. Boss, Doherty, LaRossa, Schumm, and Steinmetz also contend that conflict theorists emphasize disrupting popular social class and political elites. Engaging in activities that seek to define space and bring justice and equality to disadvantaged members of the society represents the struggles of conflict theorists.
LGBT Liberation
Inequality in society is characterized by undermining and, to extreme extents, outlawing certain aspects of the disadvantaged and minority groups such as feminist movements and LGBT liberation movements. As postulated by Sears, conflict theory prepares the foundation of such disadvantaged movements setting the pace for societal recognition and liberation.
LGBT Liberation: Canada
The gay liberation gained traction in the Americas in the latter twentieth century. Canada was among the most progressive societies in the West allowing same-sex sexual activities since 1969. LGBT movements aimed at creating public awareness as well as eliminating the societal shame associated with their sexual orientation. Members of the LGBT community that includes lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgender communities involved in generally radical activities besides mainstreaming their sexuality such as introducing transformations in the nuclear family structure to include same-sex marriages. The LGBT liberation movements aimed at challenging the traditional definition of sexuality held sacred by society.
The Canadian authorities continued to support the LGBT community by calling for the protection of their fundamental human rights similar to the non-LGBT members of the society. In Quebec, for ins...