Conflict Theory In The Movie Gladiator

1534 Words7 Pages
Conflict Theory, first introduced by Karl Marx, is defined to society as being divided into two or more groups with competing ideas and values. The higher group or the more powerful group makes the laws and enforces the laws, ultimately controlling society. The less powerful group that lacks the ability to make the rules still maintain their stance within their own group norms. A primary example would be the film “Gladiator” which was set during the Roman Empire Era. Conflict theory is suited with this film because throughout the movie we see two different aspects that are crucial in the theory explained, that people cannot be happy in a society that exploits them. The theory explains that as people are brought up in a society, there will…show more content…
The Algerian Revolution/War which lasted approximately seven (7) years started from the uprisings of the suppressed from murdering to the total amount of thousands of civilians. The Front de Liberation Nationale (FLN) believed that they can defeat the republic due to the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu. The conflict theory explains that the oppressed became the oppressors because of the collective they were able to gather directed towards the same cause. Who benefits in a society where the weak are embodied and used at the expense of the wealthy? The powerful sees social life as a competition and gains more power by distributing resources and…show more content…
Conflict theory was well suited to represent the social dominance by the powerful in the film. It made it possible to explain the deviant behavior by the minority (Gladiators) to gain their freedom and deviant behavior and horrific actions by the wealthy and powerful to gain power. Social order was maintained by these powerful individuals to follow the norms and rules set by them. The conflict was simple and transparent to the viewers that have seen the film. In order to gain freedom and earn money was by participating in illegal activities ordered by the powerful or participate in the “games.” The powerful and wealthy benefited either way and that is why there is such a division in social class. The film can be well incorporated in today’s world. The distinction is that the powerful can get away with crime, but it can’t be said the same about the poor/minority. As Thomas Friedman once said, “The Dell Theory of Conflict Prevention argues that no two countries that are both part of the same global chain will ever fight a war as long as they are each part of that supply chain.” In other words, two entities avoid conflict as long as they’re part of the same
Show More
Related

  • Elements Of Science Fiction

    3370 Words  | 14 Pages

    military sci-fi. There are major conflicts between nations, planets or states that result in a condition of war. The story is usually told from the viewpoint of a soldier. Such kind of stories includes the details about military technology, procedure, and history. Technological advancement are basic to the plot and the conflict between military powers is central to the storyline. Examples include The War of the worlds by H.G Wells and Starship Troopers by Robert A.

    Read More

More about Conflict Theory In The Movie Gladiator

Open Document