This lesson will explain, define and discuss the key ideas and the basic components of social conflict theory, identifying it as a macro-level orientation. Specific note will be made to discuss Karl Marx (The Communist Manifesto) and Max Weber (The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism) as examples of theorists in the conflict tradition. C. Wright Mills' concept of the power elite will also be defined. It is 2 of 3 in the series titled "Social Conflict Theory."