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