Conflict and Critical Criminology Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements aligns with conflict theory assumptions?

  • Society is held together by agreement on values.
  • Crime is universally defined and agreed upon.
  • Groups maintain equilibrium through opposing interests. (correct)
  • All laws are created to benefit the collective good.

According to consensus theories, crime is primarily socially constructed.

False (B)

What are the two concepts that lead to delinquent behavior according to the integration theory?

Attachment and imitation

Conflict theory argues that laws reflect the interests of the _____ and _____ classes.

<p>wealthy, powerful</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the theorist or theory with their primary focus:

<p>Durkheim = Social control and shared values Marxist theory = Economic inequalities and power dynamics Labeling theory = Impact of societal labels on behavior Social conflict theory = Conflicts between different social groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Minority Threat Theory suggest about majority groups' perceptions as minority populations grow?

<p>They perceive them as a threat. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The enforcement of criminal laws tends to process individuals with higher political and economic power more frequently than those with less power.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does critical criminology argue about the origins of crime?

<p>Crime arises from systemic inequalities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The greater a group's _____ and _____ power, the less likely their actions will violate criminal law.

<p>economic, political</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the theories with their key concepts:

<p>Minority Threat Theory = Perception of threat from growing minority populations Successive Threat Theory = Perceived threats shift based on group dynamics Critical Criminology = Crime resulting from systemic inequalities Social Conflict Theory = Conflict arises from unequal resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a limitation of the Minority Threat Theory?

<p>It overlooks varying perceived threats. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Processing of individuals through the justice system is typically influenced by their race alone.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between crime rates and the distribution of political and economic power?

<p>Crime rates are inversely related to the distribution of political and economic power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Marxist theory, what is considered the primary cause of crime?

<p>Capitalism and inequality (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Conflict theory suggests that the law is a tool used by the lower classes to protect their interests.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Bonger identify as a key cause of criminality in capitalist societies?

<p>Egoism</p> Signup and view all the answers

Marxist criminology argues that crime is a result of _______ in society.

<p>inequality</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the theorists with their contributions to social conflict theory:

<p>Bonger = Capitalism breeds crime Quinney = Crime as a means to secure advantages Currie = Market society promotes crime Chambliss = Judges reflect the interests of the powerful</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Quinney's social reality of crime?

<p>The norms of powerful segments allow for unpunished crimes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The pursuit of personal economic gain is a dominant principle in market societies.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the exploitation of the laboring class, according to Marxist theory?

<p>Surplus value</p> Signup and view all the answers

______ crime is often ignored by the criminal justice system, as it primarily affects the wealthy.

<p>White collar</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the concepts with their definitions in the context of Marxist criminology:

<p>Bourgeoisie = Owners of the means of production Proletariat = Workers who sell their labor Capitalism = Economic system characterized by private ownership Law = An instrument of social control for the wealthy</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'criminalization' refer to in the context of Turk's theory?

<p>The process where authorities label acts as criminal (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Marxist theorists assert that crime is a natural outcome of a fair and equal society.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to social conflict theory, how do laws function in society?

<p>Laws serve the interests of the powerful</p> Signup and view all the answers

The theory that suggests crime arises from the competition and exploitation in capitalist societies is called _______.

<p>Conflict theory</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Conflict Theory in Criminology

Conflict theory argues that crime is a result of social conflict, with laws reflecting the interests of powerful groups, not a societal consensus.

Crime as Socially Constructed

Conflict theory suggests that our understanding of crime isn't objective but shaped by the society around us, and the laws established.

Differential Processing in CJS

Conflict theory highlights how different groups are targeted and treated differently within the criminal justice system.

Consensus vs. Conflict Theories

Consensus theories suggest that shared values create laws, while conflict theories argue that laws favor powerful groups.

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Theory Integration in Criminology

Combine several theories to understand crime more deeply by studying past theories related to a specific crime and identify its potential causes for improvement.

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Conflict Theory

A macro-level sociological perspective arguing that crime stems from societal conflicts based on power imbalances and unequal distribution of resources.

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Marxist Criminology

A branch of conflict theory arguing that capitalism creates inequality, fueling crime.

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Capitalism

An economic system where the means of production (resources) are privately owned, and profit is the primary motivator.

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Bourgeoisie

In Marxist theory, the capitalist class who own the means of production.

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Proletariat

In Marxist theory, the working class who sell their labor.

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Surplus Value

The difference between the value created by labor and the wages paid to workers. This is profit for the capitalist.

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Social Demoralization

The sense of hopelessness, despair, and lack of opportunity experienced by workers in capitalist societies.

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White-Collar Crime

Crimes committed by individuals in positions of power and influence, often in business or government.

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Socialist Society

Proposed economic system where the means of production are collectively owned and resources are distributed for the common good.

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Conduct Norms

Cultural rules dictating behaviors within a group.

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Group Conflict Theory

A conflict theory stating that social order is a result of competing groups vying for control.

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Criminalization

The process by which behaviors are defined as criminal.

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Social Reality of Crime

A conflict theory arguing that powerful groups define criminal acts to maintain their position.

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Crime in a Market Society

A conflict perspective explaining how market economies can facilitate crime via competition and lack of social support.

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Macro Social Conflict Theories

Conflict theories focusing on large-scale societal patterns of inequality and crime.

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Values and Life Conditions

People's values are shaped by their living conditions; more complex societies have diverse values due to differing conditions.

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Criminal Law and Power

Criminal laws reflect the values and interests of powerful groups. Groups with more economic and political power are less likely to be targeted.

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Crime Rate Distribution

Crime rates are often inversely related to the distribution of political and economic power; minority groups can be disproportionately targeted.

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Minority Threat Theory

As minority populations grow, the majority may perceive a threat, leading to increased formal social control.

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Successive Threat Theory

Perceived threats from minority groups are not fixed; they can change based on assimilation and emerging groups.

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Justice System and Power

Decisions in the justice system are influenced by power. Individuals with less power are disproportionately affected.

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Racial Disparities Criminal Justice

While the impact of race on sentencing may be limited by itself, cumulative disadvantages based on race influence sentencing decisions in criminal cases.

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Critical Criminology

Critical criminology proposes that crime stems from systemic inequalities.

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Study Notes

Conflict and Critical Criminology

  • Theory integration is important for quality of model and writing, literature review is necessary.
  • Current theories on risk factors for violent behavior and gang involvement in adolescents and young adults are important.
  • Before integrating theories, explain what they have already established.
  • Integrate theories with concepts by explaining direct or indirect connections.
  • Attachment and imitation leads to delinquent behavior and commitment.

Conflict/Critical Paradigm

  • Crime is socially constructed.
  • Deviant labels are applied differently across groups.
  • Powerful groups establish and enforce laws.

Consensus Theories

  • Shared values define interests, conflict between groups.
  • Social institutions mediate conflict, laws reflect consensus.
  • Laws reflect collective agreement (right/wrong).
  • Differentiate offending (CJS).

Conflict Theories

  • Labeling theory, critical, Marxist theories are types within conflict theories.
  • Laws reflect the values of the wealthy and powerful.
  • Differential processing (CJS) and who is targeted differ based on power.

Conflict Theory Assumptions

  • Society is a dynamic of opposing groups, not consensus.
  • Equilibrium of opposing group interests and efforts is principle of conflict.
  • Conflict is a principle and essential social process.

Marxist Theory

  • Critique of political economy (Capital).
  • Productive forces, relationship of production.
  • Rigid class structure (bourgeoisie, proletariat).
  • Conflict explaining societal existence.
  • Societal production (manual/technical).
  • Ruling class controls the means of production.
  • Law in capitalistic societies: legal equality for the goal is to preserve private property.

Marxist Criminology

  • Surplus value: exploitation of laborers for profit.
  • Capitalism promotes economic crises and crime.
  • Crime is a result of inequality and unjust distribution of wealth/power.

Social Conflict Theory

  • Bonger: Criminality and economic conditions.
  • Capitalism promotes egoism.
  • Key proximate cause of criminality.
  • Exploitation and competition for profit leads to more crime.
  • Proletariat - subordinate position and depedancy.

Policy

  • Focus on biases against working class and racial profiling in CJ system.
  • Increasing prison populations mask unemployment.
  • Socialism emphasizes diversion, decriminalization, and deinstitutionalization.

Critique of Crime

  • Crime occurs at all social levels, with disadvantaged groups disproportionately affected (implications and reasons).
  • Conflict theory ignores various societal interests, ignores socialist countries.
  • Capitalist mode of production breeds crime based on inequality and exploitation.

New Directions in Critical Criminology

  • Postmodern theory focuses on power, language and marginalized groups.
  • Critical race theory and critical gender theory.
  • Left realism and restorative justice, deconstructionism.

Correspondence Theory of Truth

  • Scientific theories - truth as a correspondence to facts
  • Postmodern critiques of truth as objective.
  • Rejection of correspondence truth, universal truth.
  • Man is measure of all.
  • Claims to truth are constructed, not objective.

Green Criminology

  • Relationship between crime and natural resource management.
  • Incorporates cultural significance and collective meanings surrounding crimes.
  • Critiques environmental harms and ecological justice.

Contemporary Marxist Criminology

  • Structural view of state, with state as primary means to maintain capitalist social relations long-term.
  • Ruling class's victimization: corporate crime costs billions.

Minority Threat Theory

  • Majority perceives minority groups' growing numbers as a threat.
  • Increased formal control measures directed at minority populations.
  • Focuses on black and Hispanic populations, overlooking other variations in power structures.

Quinney's Social Reality of Crime

  • Powerful segments operate within their norms.
  • Influential groups define their wrongdoings as not criminal.
  • Powerful individuals promote particular crime conceptions.

Conflict Theory Evaluation

  • Discusses major assumptions, strengths, and limitations of conflict theories.
  • Identifies white-collar crimes like tax fraud, bribery, criminal corporate activities.

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CRIM 300W Week 9 Lecture Notes PDF

Description

Explore the foundations of conflict and critical criminology, focusing on theories that explain the social construction of crime and the impact of labeling on deviant behavior. This quiz examines current theories related to violent behavior in adolescents and the significance of integrating various theoretical perspectives. Understand how shared values and powerful groups shape our criminal justice system.

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