Conflict theory emphasizes the role of coercion and power in producing social order. Karl Marx is the leading author of conflict theory studies. According to him, society is made up of fragmented groups that compete for economic and social resources. In conflict theory, social order is maintained by those with the greatest political, economic, and social resources. According to conflict theory, inequalities exist because those who control more resources try harder to defend what is theirs than those who have minimal resources. Religion is seen as something used to blind the ordinary working class, while the wealthy elite seek to enjoy all the benefits of what the world has to offer. As discussed in class, poorer groups, such as the working class, see religion as an opportunity for a better life after religion ends. They think that if they work hard now, it will pay off in the future. This is seen by a conflict theorist as a means for the rich and powerful to control the other population. If a person works hard now and remains obedient to the laws, he believes he will be rewarded by going to heaven and having eternal life alongside God. Most wealthy people believe they can live in the moment without having to worry about the consequences of jeopardizing their eternal life. This shows that with power comes more freedom through religious views. The book contains a quote from Marx stating: "The sigh of the oppressed creature, the feeling of a heartless world and the soul of soulless conditions." It’s the people’s opiate” 1964: 27, orig.1848). This quote from Marx states that religion is the opium of the people. An opiate is a drug that softens a person and makes them numb to anything happening outside of them...... middle of paper ...... as conflict theory. I tend to lean more towards conflict theory. Structural functionalist perspective with all types of conflicts or situations. I like to think that most things in this world have an impact on how society functions. I like to think that the considerable effort I put into writing a research paper will result in me gaining knowledge and setting me up for success in life. I hate to think that writing a research paper only keeps me from going out and spending time with my friends. I hate to think that this is just a way for the most powerful person to continue to control me. I hope that although I will never know what is really going on in the world outside of me, I believe that everything I do has a specific function in society as a whole. This idea is worth every little effort I put into this article..