Question

Which theorist proposed the idea that there is nothing inherent in human nature that leads to conflict between the individual and society; rather, it is the organization of society that limits the full expression of the self and shapes conflict?

A) Karl Marx
B) Emile Durkheim
C) Max Weber
D) Erving Goffman

Answer 1

Emile Durkheim proposed that society's structure causes conflict between individual and society, not human nature itself.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theorist who proposed the idea that there is nothing inherent in human nature that leads to conflict between the individual and society, but rather that it is the organization of society that limits the full expression of the self and shapes conflict, was Emile Durkheim. As a functionalist, Durkheim emphasized that society functions as an integrated whole, and any conflict is due to the organization of societal parts which limits individuals, rather than a natural propensity towards conflict. This differs from Karl Marx's perspective, which posits that society's inherent class struggle leads to conflict. Max Weber added that beyond economic inequalities, political power and social structures also produce conflict. Nonetheless, it was Durkheim's work that best aligns with the idea of conflict emerging from the social organization rather than human nature itself.