The Critical And Contemporary Reference Of Coser’s Functional Conflict Theory Under The Vision Of Marx’s Social Conflict Theory

Marx is one of the founders of social conflict theory.The establishment of historical materialism and surplus values not only enables the development of human society and history to be truly guided by a scientific world outlook and methodology,but also thoroughly reveal the deep root,core,form,function and solution of social conflicts.Marx’s study on social conflicts has risen from complicated social reality to a philosophical level.He analyzed the basic structure of capitalist society from socio-economic life.Through critiques of capital logic and analysis of the contradictions of capitalist society,he proved a thorough class struggle is the fundamental means to eliminate differences and antagonisms and resolve conflicts.It points out the fundamental path and ultimate direction to resolve the conflicts of capitalist society.As a scholar of modern Western social conflict theory,Coser’s conflict theory is deeply influenced by Marx,but it contains a deep reflection on the social conditions of modern capitalism,which has obvious era differences.Under the social crisis facing capitalism at the time,Coser chose to face the conflict in a unique way.He put the social conflict in a pre-conceived framework,analyzed the important influence of the personality input of the group structure and the rigidity of the social structure on the social conflict;distinguished the realistic conflict and the unrealistic conflict,and the material factor and the non-material factor of conflicts.For the first time,it is clearly proposed to establish a social safety valve system,and to build a risk protection mechanism for the resolution of social conflicts based on the way of integration,so as to promote the healthy operation of society.Critically interpreting Coser’s functional conflict theory on the basis of Marx’s social conflict theory,we can find that Coser introduced the safety valve system into the conflict resolution approach,introduced realistic practice into conflict theory,and introduced sociology into historical materialism.To a certain extent,it expands the connotation of Marx’s social conflict theory.However,under the examination of Marx’s social conflict theory,his theory still has limitations that cannot be shaken off,such as partial propositions biased,weakening the material source,avoiding class struggle and so on.It cannot be ignored that although Western sociological theorists have inherited and developed Marx’s social conflict theory to a certain extent,they have concealed the essence of writing to safeguard capitalism and fundamentally distorted Marx’s original intent.It has the incomplete nature of abandoning the revolutionary stand,and is essentially a deviation from the core of Marx’s theory of social conflict.Therefore,it cannot really find a way out for resolving social conflicts.Looking at Coser’s theory of functional conflict from a dialectical perspective,we can discover its unique value of the times,and can also provide some inspiration for the resolution of social conflicts and the innovative application of contemporary Marx’s social conflict theory.With the weakening of large-scale violent conflicts,interest demands are ever-changing,the social structure is crisscrossed,social issues are numerous and complicated,and the undercurrents of many contradictions are surging.The conflicts caused by the transformation of China’s society and the global changes affect the whole body.To maintain the healthy operation of social order,it is urgent to further enrich and innovate Marx’s social conflict theory in the criticism of modern social conflict theory.Therefore,to resolve the current conflict dilemma,it is necessary to return to the theory of social conflict: While adhering to Marx’s social conflict thought,learn from Coser’s functional conflict theory.Deepen theoretical research from both macro and micro perspectives.Improve the social governance system and governance methods,rebuild social order,improve the national governance system,and promote the modernization of national governance capabilities,so as to lay a solid foundation for the establishment of a free human association and the realization of human liberation.