Max Weber's Social Conflict Theory

The theoretical framework for this study is derived from Max Weber’s Social Conflict theory. This criticism argues that the society is characterized by various inequalities and conflicts that cause people to act socially, producing change. In literary theory, it simply deals with literature often concerned with the inequality, injustice, class structures, violence, dehumanisation that pervades the society. It focuses on literature that often times seek to understand rather than simply accept the status quo in the society and by the mere act of seeking understanding which according to Kieran Allen “is often the first incipient sign of a rebellion against social norms”(7). The origin of this theory is often times traced back to the writings of

This analysis of the three-dimensional components of social stratification confirms that societies are organized in hierarchical systems of domination and subordination. Also important is the significance of power in determining social relationships based upon domination and subordination. In Weber’s view, the ability to possess power derives from the individual's ability to control various "social resources". These resources can be anything and everything and might include things like: Land, Capital, Social respect, Physical strength and Intellectual knowledge among others.
As a result of these “social resources”, hierarchical structuring of the society is maintained. In Wole Soyinka’s The Beatification of Area Boy and Alapata Apata, this social stratification that accounts for the hierarchical structuring of the society as indicated by Weber is present. Soyinka’s medium of characterisation using name types such as Trader, Judge, Shopkeeper, Police, Woman, Military Governor, Big man shopper, Maid, General and so on in both plays immediately suggest the class, status and power each character possesses and stating the obvious hierarchical division in the