In analyzing social change, which sociological paradigm suggests that society is a competitive arena where different groups struggle for power and resources?

The sociological paradigm that views society as a competitive arena is called conflict theory. This theory suggests that different groups in society, such as social classes or ethnic groups, are always competing for limited resources like wealth, power, and status. For example, think about how workers and business owners might have different interests; workers want better wages and working conditions, while owners aim to maximize profits. Conflict theorists believe that these struggles can lead to social change when one group tries to gain more power or improve their situation. Overall, conflict theory helps us understand how inequality and competition shape our society.