Conflict Theory for the MCAT: Power, Inequality, and Karl Marx

What happens when different groups want the same limited resources—like power, wealth, or influence? Conflict. This is the basis of Conflict Theory, a foundational concept in MCAT sociology.

In this blog, we’ll use a powerful King of the Curve visual to explore how inequality, competition, and class struggle define the structure of society.

What Is Conflict Theory?

Conflict theory is a macro-level sociological theory, originally proposed by Karl Marx, that explains how inequality emerges from power struggles over limited resources.

Core Ideas:

• Society is made up of competing groups.

• These groups fight over money, power, land, jobs, and status.

• Those in power create structures to maintain dominance.

• Social change occurs through conflict—not consensus.

How It Compares to Other Theories

Theory	Focus	View of Society
Conflict Theory	Power struggle & inequality	Competitive, unstable
Functionalism	Stability and harmony	Cooperative, balanced
Symbolic Interactionism	Social meanings & interactions	Micro-level daily interactions

🧠 MCAT Tip: Know how to distinguish macro theories (conflict & functionalism) from micro theories (symbolic interactionism).

Real-World Examples for the MCAT

• Healthcare: Low-income populations face worse outcomes due to systemic barriers.

• Education: Quality of schools varies by zip code and funding.

• Gender Pay Gap: Women and minorities may earn less due to social structures built around inequality.

MCAT-Style Question Example

Passage Summary:
"A sociologist claims that rising income inequality results from policy decisions favoring the elite, which leads to social unrest and protest movements."

Question:
Which theoretical perspective best supports the sociologist’s claim?

A. Symbolic Interactionism
B. Functionalism
C. Conflict Theory
D. Social Constructionism

✅ Correct Answer: C — The scenario describes power imbalance and social competition, central to conflict theory.

Final Thoughts

Conflict theory reminds us that society isn’t always fair—and the MCAT tests whether you understand the mechanisms behind inequality and social change. With visuals like this from King of the Curve, you’ll lock in abstract theories through memorable imagery.

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