The question asks to identify the theorist whose concept of power best explains the practical exclusion of Dalits from common property resources and public spaces, despite constitutional guarantees of equality.

Dahrendorf's Conflict Theory on Power

Ralph Dahrendorf, a prominent conflict theorist, viewed society as characterized by continuous conflict arising from power differentials. He argued that social order is maintained through the domination of some groups over others, stemming from the unequal distribution of authority within organizations and society.

Explaining Dalit Exclusion

• Dahrendorf's theory posits that power imbalances are fundamental to social structure and lead to inherent conflict between those who hold authority (dominant) and those who do not (subordinate).
• This perspective directly addresses situations where legal provisions (like equality) are overridden by practical realities of social stratification and power dynamics.
• The exclusion of Dalits from common resources, despite constitutional equality, exemplifies this: the subordinate status resulting from historical and ongoing power imbalances prevents them from accessing spaces and resources controlled or dominated by other groups.
• This scenario is best explained by Dahrendorf's focus on power as the root cause of social conflict and inequality, leading to the subordination and exclusion of certain groups.

Comparison with Other Theorists

• Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons focused more on social cohesion, functionalism, and integration, viewing inequality often as functional or necessary for societal balance, rather than inherently conflict-driven power struggles.
• Edmund Leach, while studying social structures, did not primarily frame his analysis around the inherent conflict arising from power distribution in the way Dahrendorf did.

Therefore, Ralph Dahrendorf's conceptualization of power as a source of inherent social conflict and domination provides the most fitting explanation for the practical exclusion described.