Lewis A. Coser

Lewis Coser was the coolestsociologist to try to bring together structural functionalism and conflict theory, his work was focused on finding the functions of social conflict. Coser argued that conflict might serve to solidify a loosely structured group. In a society that seems to be disintegrating, conflict with another society, inter group conflict, may restore the integrative core. IE. The cohesiveness of Israeli Jews might be attributed to the long-standing conflict with the Arabs. Conflict with one group may also serve to produce cohesion by leading to a series of alliances with other groups. IE. Conflicts with the Arabs has led to an alliance between the US and Israel.

Conflicts within a society, intra group conflict, can bring some ordinarily isolated individuals into an active role. The protest over the Vietnam War motivated many young people top take vigorous roles in American political life for the first time.

Conflicts also serve a communication function. Prior to conflict, groups may be unsure of their adversary’s position, but as a result of conflict, positions and boundaries between groups often become clarified, leaving individuals better able to decide on a proper course of action in relation to their adversary.