Final answer:
Class conflict, as conceptualized from the class approach, is a struggle between social classes over opposing interests related to property and resources, and it plays a pivotal role in historical societal changes. Conflict theorists view this as part of a broader pattern of power-driven inequalities that also encompass education, race, gender, and age, leading to social stratification and societal change.
Step-by-step explanation:
Class conflict refers to the struggles between different classes in society, which arise due to opposing interests, specifically related to property ownership and access to resources. From the class approach perspective, it is believed that throughout history, societal progression is largely a result of ongoing class struggles. In the capitalist stage, which is the current phase of history, the means of production are owned privately, intensifying the clash between those who own these means (capitalists) and those who do not (workers).
Conflict perspective as a broader macro-analytical view, sees social structure as inherently unequal, driven by power differentials and leading to social stratification. The growth of inequality, manipulation by business interests, and eventual redistribution of wealth, represent key issues causing conflict. These can lead to the emergence of movements, like the Tea Party, and struggles for various social groups such as racial minorities, women, and seniors in pursuit of rights and equality.
Moreover, conflict theorists argue that educational systems perpetuate class differences through a disparity of resources and standardized testing, favoring those from richer neighborhoods. The perception of social structure by conflict theorists is rooted in unequal power dynamics that lead to class conflict, which can result in social change or revolution when tensions between classes reach a tipping point.