Conflict theory sociologists say that society is made up of groups that compete for scarce resources. It established that power and social inequality are main characteristics of society. Karl Marx is the founder of CT. He felt that the key to history is class struggle. Marx theorized that there were only two groups: the bourgeoisie or capitalists that control the means of production and the proletariat or working class who are a mass of exploited laborers. Later CT adherents proposed different class structures. Wright defined four classes (Capitalist, Petty Bourgeoisie, managers and workers). Gilbert & Kahl proposed 6 classes (Capitalist, upper middle, lower middle, working class, working poor, and under class). There are three determining factors in social class: wealth, power and prestige or respect. People generally rank very similar in all three dimensions.
C Wright Mills said that “power” or the ability to enforce your will despite resistance, is in the hands of few. He contradicted the ideology of equality and coined the term “power elite” to describe the few at the top of US society with the power to make the important decisions. To determine what groups are in conflict, first establish who has the power to enforce their desires on others. A governor could easily be perceived as a member of the “power elite,” and as such Edwards was in a position to make important decisions and carryout his desires.
Regardless of which class structure theory you adopt, Edwards would probably be viewed as a capitalist. As such, it can be inferred that he was part of the group responsible for making the rules. His actual penance will depend heavily on whether his friends at the top decide to make an example of him. Will he need to
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