Conflict theory, developed by Karl Marx, emphasizes the role of power struggles and inequality in shaping society. It argues that society is in a constant state of conflict due to competition for limited resources. This theory sees social change as a result of these conflicts between different social groups, particularly the rich and the poor.
Functionalism, symbolic interactionism, and structuralism focus on social stability, social interactions, and structures, but they do not place as much emphasis on conflict and power struggles.