Chapter 9: Conflict Theory

3 types of control that can be used in conflict theory

corecion and physical force legal processes and legal images by defining deviance, defining crime and applying social control coercion

according to capitalist economic theories, capitalist economy in industrial societies ________ crime

creates

the two classes are created by capitalism largely because they are...

critical to a capitalist society

Quinney's 3 propositions to the "social reality of crime"

definition of crime-- crime is a definition of human conduct that is created by authorized agents in a politically organized society Formulation of criminal definitions-- criminal definitions describe behaviors that conflict with the interest of the segments of society that habe the power to shape political policy Application of criminal definitions-- criminal definitions are applied by the segments of society that have the power to shape the enforcement and administration of criminal law

anarchists believe that all authorities are agents of...

domination

social dynamite (Spitzer)

expensive, high threat

according to the pluralist conflict perspectives, many groups _______, tend to have _______, and work together...

extert power brief power for brief moments

in the pluralist conflict perspective, social issues are seen as...

fields of battle with opposing armies fighting to see who will prevail

family disorganization is a product of...

inequality

according to conflict theory, laws embody...

the values of those who create it

4 examples of social junk

those who refuse to work those who retreat to drugs those who refuse schooling those who do not believe in the benefits of family life

what is 1 of the most common factors assumed to be associated with crime why?

unemployment people do what they can to survive

social heritage of conflict theory (4)

1960s civil rights protests and demonstrations-- numerous race riots vietnam war and anti-war protests 4 Kent State students killed by National Guardsmen distrust of government-- watergate

radical, Marxist conflict

2 major classes in society: proletariat and bourgeosie have substantial conflict of interests

according to conflict theory, law itself represents...

a resource

what does radical conflict theory say about economic conditions?

artificial unemployment yields necressity of control actions

pluralist conflict perspective believe that conflict emerges between a number of groups...

attempting to exercise control over particular situations or events

according to the pluralist conflict perspective, because power can be equated with resources, the upper class structure will...

be more powerful

what does radical conflict theory say about political economy?

class is tied to economic inequality

according to capitalist economic theories, criminal law is a ________ of the state used to...

coercive instrument maintain economic order

what does radical conflict theory say about family disorganization?

it is a product of inequality and reproduction of unequal workplace relations in the home

what does radical conflict theory say about social class?

it was created to separate people

according to conflict theory, power groups and vested interest groups attempt to influence...

law and law-making to their benefit

radical conflict theory focuses on the "myth" that...

law and social order are in the best interests of all (Marx termed this "false consciousness")

according to Richard Quinney, crime is the product of ______ constructed through the exercise of....

legal defintions political power

social junk (Spitzer)

less expensive, low threat

many conflict theories are from what years?

mid 1960s to the mid 1970s, when conflict was popular

Blalock's Power Threat Theory of Pluralistic Conflict (2)

minority groups threaten white dominance reactive responses increase as minority group grows

social conflict is _______ and consensus is _______ and _______

natural unusual temporary

existing conflict theories have 2 polar types

pluralist conflict radical, Marxist conflict

all Conflict Theories are critiques of the relationship between _______ and _______.

power crime

pluralist conflict perspective examples

pro-choice v. pro-life gun control v. gun laws money= power

according to the pluralist conflict perspective, it is the control of _______ that provides the ability to successfully fight

resourses (money, land, political power)

intellectual heritage of conflict theory (3)

return to some Classical School concerns regarding the structure of power and legitimacy the Labeling Theory prepared the way for conflict theories radicalization of academia in general revived interest in Marxist thoughts in sociology

4 major concepts of radical conflict theory

social class political economu family disorganization economic conditions

Spitzer's 2 problem groups

social junk social dunamite

what is one thing that all conflict theories agree on?

societies are more properly characterized by conflict than consensus

why do capitalist economic theorists believe that capitalist economies in industrial societies create crime?

some groups do not have legitimate means to get what others have, so crime is natural consequence

how is the law a tool of the ruling class?

the definitions of crime are a relecton of the interests of the ruling class and serve to perpetuate existing concepts of property the behavior of the ruling class is generally not placed under the rule of criminal law, instead it is placed under administrative or regulatory law. Fines for violations rather than incarceration

how is all crime in capitalist nations is a product of class struggle?

the emphasis on the accumalation of wealth and propoerty leads to conflict between the classes and within the classes the chase to get ahead manifests itself in the pursuit, criminal or otherwise, of property, wealthm and economic self aggrandizement

bourgeoisie

upper class

3 primary ingredients of class

wealth power prestige

the backfire effect

when your beliefs are challenged by contradictoryinformation/beliefs, neither you nor the other person becomes more moderate in your belief or "Sees the other person's point of view" instead... each person's beliefs become even stronger in the same direction they started out in. In other words, debate brings you further apart, not closer together

proletariat

working class