Conflict Perspective

The social conflict in this article results from possible Supreme Court non-intervention to extend the regulations that require the four regional Bell companies to lease their equipment to rivals at heavy discounts. The two main rivals in this situation are the companies of AT&T and MCI. Through strong political tactics and companies monopolizing markets, the social conflict filters down to the consumer who suffers through rising prices of telephone rates. The decision of the Bush administration not to seek an extension of the regulations will allow Bell companies an upper hand on the telecommunications market and force rival companies MCI and AT&T to raise prices in order to remain competitive. The conflict from a sociological standpoint is an ongoing process because this situation deals with money and is also a product that most people consider a necessity in life. These two ingredients, money and necessity cause social conflict. Many people have the need to have telephone service available to them and regardless of the fluctuation of prices, will have to deal with it. Whether or not telephone prices will rise due to the regulations not being extended, remains unclear. However, if prices do rise, consumers will not give up their telephone service as a result. Prices will be absorbed by the consumer and the situation will create social conflict. Wealth and income are known to be dimensions of social stratification. This is consistent with the conflict theory. Rising prices of products and services categorize us in social terms. There are those who are able to comfortably afford, those who aren't able to afford and those who struggle to afford. The powers that affect prices to raise or lower drive consumers in these categories.