Conflict theorists argue that humor can function as a political tool used to reinforce power dynamics, mock those in authority, or marginalize subordinate groups. By controlling the narrative of what is considered 'funny,' dominant groups can exert social control or express resistance against existing power structures.

Richard Quinney's conflict theory of crime posits that the legal system is designed by the powerful to protect their interests. He argues that the ruling elite commit crimes of domination and repression to maintain their social, economic, and political power. These acts are often institutionalized and serve to suppress challenges to the existing social order, thereby reinforcing the dominance of the ruling class over others.

Karl Marx defined the proletariat as the social class of wage earners who do not own the means of production. To survive, they must sell their labor power to the bourgeoisie, or the capitalist class, who own the factories, land, and tools. This relationship is central to Marx's conflict theory, highlighting the inherent power imbalance and exploitation between these two primary classes in a capitalist society.

Conflict theory posits that social life is a competition for limited resources and power. From this perspective, the division between in-groups and out-groups is often exploited by dominant groups to maintain power, leading to prejudice, discrimination, and social conflict. This theory emphasizes how these divisions create systemic inequality and destructive social tensions rather than social stability.

Karl Marx argued that societal conflicts, particularly class struggles between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, are the primary engines of historical development. He believed that these conflicts are natural and essential for moving society toward a more equitable state, contrasting with functionalist views that emphasize social stability and consensus.

The conflict perspective argues that social structures and cultural norms are not neutral but are shaped by those in power to protect their interests. By promoting a specific common culture, dominant groups can justify their status and maintain control over subordinate groups, thereby perpetuating social inequality. This perspective focuses on power dynamics and the systemic nature of social stratification.

Wallerstein's world-systems theory draws heavily from Marxist thought, particularly the concepts of exploitation, class struggle, and the global division of labor. It views the world economy as a capitalist system where core nations exploit peripheral nations, reflecting the Marxist focus on economic structures and power dynamics.

Conflict theory emphasizes that social norms and laws are not neutral but are created by those in power to protect their own interests. Consequently, this perspective argues that the definition of deviance is a tool used by dominant groups to control marginalized populations and maintain the existing social hierarchy.

Conflict theory posits that society is not a cohesive system of shared values, but rather a arena where different social groups compete for power, status, and resources. This ongoing struggle between groups with conflicting interests is seen as the primary driver of social dynamics and institutional change, as those in power seek to maintain their dominance over others.

Structural conflict theory posits that the political system is constrained by the underlying economic structure and the inherent contradictions of capitalism. Unlike instrumentalists who see the elite as directly controlling the state, structuralists argue that the system itself limits the elite's power, as they must navigate economic instability and competition.