 Dear students, in this module, we are going to discuss the conflict theory as a theoretical perspective for social stratification. Conflict theory is a sociological perspective that emphasizes the ways in which social inequality and power imbalances create and perpetuate social conflict. In our previous module, we discussed that how functionalist perspective views the stratification process. For functionalism, it is for the restoration of social order in society. That stratification process is necessary, however, conflict theorists disagree to this point of view and they are of the view that this stratification is actually the foundation of inequality and ultimately it leads to the conflicting situations. According to conflict theory, social stratification is based on exploitation, oppression and the most powerful and privileged individuals and groups using their position to maintain their dominance over the others. So the problem with this process of stratification is that it not only creates a sense of inequality but also creates the situations where conflict becomes so imminent. Conflict theorists look at stratification from this point of view as these people who are in different positions in society are not able to create equality in the society. Since the ultimate goal of sociology is to create equality or balance in the society. And the sociologist has to look at which social phenomenon creates social inequality or inequality in the society. So social stratification is a process where people are in different hierarchical positions. Conflict point of view, if we look at this stratification, we will feel that this stratification is counterproductive for the society. As compared to a functionalist perspective, the stratification is as important as any society to create functionally. So the basic difference in this is that conflict theorists always look at this process from a critical point of view. Then the conflict theorists argue that social class is the most important factor in determining the social stratification with economic inequality and the concentration of wealth at the top of the social hierarchy leading to the marginalization and disenfranchisement of those at the bottom. So in a nutshell, we can say that they are of the view that this system of stratification actually constructs the social conditions for the potential of inequality among the classes. So basically this class-based system is actually based on the foundations of these stratification processes. If we talk about the cultural context of Pakistan, conflict theory is of the view that stratification are often associated with the idea of ruling elite or oligarchy in which small groups of wealthy and powerful individuals control the political and economic systems. So as you can observe in our political system as well, and as a sociologist, it's a food for thought for you also, that how our political system not only perpetuates but also strengthens the inequality based on this stratification process. And we can observe it in different political scenarios, for example, in our political parties or in our government organizational structures.