Conflict Theory suggests that individuals and groups are constantly competing for limited resources.

The core idea of Conflict Theory is that society is in a constant state of competition. It is a way of seeing conflict and inequality as the driving forces of societies structure.

Society is known to be divided into classes based on availability to resources. The main classes being Bourgeoisie which are the capitalist or owners and the Proletariat people being the workers, being in less control. There is an obvious power imbalance between the two. In relation to the experiment, Jane Elliot divides her class into two separate social divisions. This can be compared to power and inequality. The conflict theory discusses how society is characterized by groups that compete. She shows how there is a dominant group (firstly the blue eyed people) and an inferior group (brown eyed people) that experience discrimination. Similar to how the dominant groups in society can maintain their power by keeping the inferior groups inferior. We can also see the relevance of social change through conflict. Conflict theorists suggest social change may happen when the inferior groups challenge the structure of society and its norms. Elliots experiment shows awareness of the already existing social order and the effects of it for both groups by making her students feel the discrimination firsthand.

When discussing gender inequality, socialization plays a crucial role. through experiences individuals go through in life, we learn to internalize gender roles that reinforce societies structure around power imbalances. Children learn these gender roles from a young age and quickly learn the different expectations for boys and girls. An example of this learnt power imbalance would be the common pjrase "boys will be boys". This phrase is used to justify any negative behaviors and other forms of aggression that boys do. The phrase suggests that this bad behavior is an unchangeable way and just part of male nature.

With competing social groups being driven by power imbalances, Lorde highlights in her essay just how easy it is for society to apply or conform these imbalances. For example, she discusses how traditional feminists movements still fall victim to these imbalances through white women knowingly or unknowingly minimizing voices of women of color. This point is basically what she means in her essay title; "systems of oppression cannot be dismantled using the same tools, methods, or perspectives which created them."

Conflict Theory highlights how important it is to challenge oppressive systems. In Lorde's essay, she highlights the importance of challenging the dominant white system. She calls for oppressed groups to recognize their strengths and use them rather than conforming to the typical white dominated system.

Her work is also deeply rooted in the concept of intersectionality. Conflict theory and intersectionality both analyze social inequalities. Lorde's work recognizes that oppression is not something done and created from an individuals own choices but is instead shaped by their identity and how social imbalances have an affect on them.