What is the Difference Between Cooperation and Conflict in Sociology

The main difference between cooperation and conflict in sociology is that cooperation refers to two or more people working together to achieve a common goal, while conflict is a deliberate action where one person or group attempts to thwart the actions of another.

Social processes refer to changes that are consistent within a society over time. Cooperation and conflict are the two most common and stable social processes within society. These are social interactions as they take place between individuals within a society.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Cooperation in Sociology
– Definition, Features
2. What is Conflict in Sociology
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Cooperation and Conflict in Sociology
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Cooperation, Conflict, Direct Cooperation, Indirect Cooperation

What is Cooperation in Sociology

In sociology, cooperation refers to two or more people working together to achieve a common goal. The need for cooperative work in human life is both a psychological and social need. Cooperation involves both a common goal or end and organized efforts. We can categorize cooperation in sociology into two different groups:

Direct Cooperation

Direct cooperation happens when people perform the same action together; for example, farming a large field or carrying a load together. The main feature of this type of cooperation is that these tasks or activities cannot be completed alone or separately.

Indirect Cooperation

Indirect cooperation happens people perform dissimilar activities, but they all contribute to achieving a common goal. For example, let’s look at the construction of a house – one individual may work on the roof, one may work on the floor, etc. These activities can also happen at different times.

We can also categorize cooperation as primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary cooperation happens in primary groups such as friends and family and involves face to face interaction. Secondary cooperation, on the other hand, happens between groups such as government and individuals, while tertiary cooperation happens between groups or individals that otherwise compete with each other.

What is Conflict in Sociology

Conflict is the opposite of cooperation. Conflict is a deliberate action where one person attempts to thwart the actions of another. This can also involve one group of people attempting to thwart the actions of another group. The sociologist Max Weber has described conflict as follows:

“a social relationship will be referred to as conflict in so far as an action within it is oriented intentional to carrying out the actor’s own will against the resistance of the other party or parties.”

Like cooperation, conflict is also an inherent quality in humans and human society.

Conflicts usually happen when one group opposes the values and norms of another or attempts to assert its dominance. Conflicts typically involve abhorrence, hatred, contempt, and enmity and can even escalate to physical violence. They can also lead to direct confrontation. Some conflicts, however, can lead to positive changes in society. For example, the abolition of regressive social customs like child marriage.

Difference Between Cooperation and Conflict in Sociology

Definition

Cooperation refers to two or more people working together to achieve a common goal, while conflict is a deliberate action where one person or group attempts to thwart the actions of another.

Nature

In cooperation, individuals work together, whereas, in conflict, individuals work against each other.

Goal

In cooperation, people work towards a common goal, but in conflict, there is no achievement of a common goal.

Conclusion

Cooperation refers to two or more people working together to achieve a common goal, while conflict is a deliberate action where one person or group attempts to thwart the actions of another. The main difference between cooperation and conflict in sociology is that in cooperation, individuals work together, whereas, in conflict, individuals work against each other.