what is conflict theory 
conflict theory is a sociopolitical theory that is heavily associated with karl marx it seeks to explain political and economic events in terms of an ongoing struggle over finite resources in this struggle marx emphasizes the antagonistic relationship between social classes in particular the relationship between the owners of capital whom marx calls the bourgeoisie and the working class whom he calls the proletariat conflict theory had a profound influence on 19th and 20th century thought and continues to influence political debates to this day 1