Ralf Dahrendorf: Theorist of Social Conflict and Modern Democracy in Contemporary Society

Introduction Ralf Dahrendorf, a prominent sociologist and political theorist, made significant contributions to the understanding of social conflict and its implications for modern democracy. This paper aims to explore Dahrendorf’s perspectives on social conflict, his critique of traditional Marxist thought, and his vision for a democratic society characterized by pluralism and active citizenship. By analyzing Dahrendorf’s theoretical framework, we can gain insights into how social conflict can drive social change and enhance democratic practices in contemporary society.

Dahrendorf’s Perspective on Social Conflict Dahrendorf’s analysis of social conflict begins with a departure from the deterministic view of class struggle posited by Karl Marx. While Marx viewed conflict primarily as a result of economic inequalities, Dahrendorf introduced a more nuanced perspective that emphasized the role of authority and power relationships in society. He argued that social conflict is not merely a byproduct of economic disparity but rather an integral part of social dynamics that can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. Dahrendorf posited that social conflict arise