Final answer:
Conflict theory, originating from Karl Marx's ideas, emphasizes class conflict and inequality, showing how societal structure leads to struggles between different social classes over wealth, power, and resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory that emphasizes class conflict and inequality is known as conflict theory. This sociological perspective, primarily derived from the works of Karl Marx, views social structure and the resulting struggles between various social classes as the root of numerous social inequalities and societal problems. The theory suggests that the continual conflict between those possessing wealth and power (the bourgeoisie) and those without (the proletariat) is central to understanding the dynamics of society, especially within capitalist systems.
Conflict theory extends its analysis to various dimensions including gender, social class, education, race, and ethnicity. Examples from U.S. history, such as the Jim Crow laws or voter suppression tactics, highlight how conflict theory can be applied to understand the ongoing struggle for power and resources between dominant and minority groups. Philosopher and social scientist Karl Marx believed that societal conflict was inevitable and necessary for the eventual attainment of equality by the underprivileged.