Conflict and Functionalist Theories in Sociology

When minority groups gain power, economic resources, and political influence, they can challenge the established power structure held by dominant groups.

When minority groups gain power, dominant groups may feel threatened and respond with fear, hostility, and attempts to maintain their power.

This wave focused on securing basic rights for women, such as the right to vote, access education, and have a voice in politics.

This wave aimed for broader social equality for women, including reproductive rights, equal protection against violence, and better access to healthcare.

This wave recognizes the diverse experiences of women and challenges the single definition of 'femininity' by embracing intersectionality (considering race, class, and sexuality).

Conflict theory states that society is divided into groups with competing values and ideals. The group with more power controls society. Members of less powerful groups may follow their own norms which can conflict with dominant group norms, leading to punishment and criminalization.

The Racial Threat Hypothesis proposes that as minority racial groups' populations grow, there is an increase in crime control efforts towards them. This reflects a perceived 'threat' to the dominant group's power and social order.

Consensus theory highlights the formal system of laws and enforcement as a reflection of a general agreement in society. These laws are seen as representing shared values and are derived from the collective 'folkways' and 'mores' of the population.

Functionalist theory argues that the law functions for the 'greater public welfare' by providing order, resolving disputes, regulating disruptive behavior, and controlling crime through symbolic means.

Groups in society who hold significant power and influence to shape public policy, law, and enforcement.

The idea that the justice system, being dominated by men, treats women more leniently due to traditional attitudes towards them as objects. This results in reduced punishment for women in both the juvenile and criminal justice systems.

Chivalry is not applied equally to all women. It tends to favor middle-class and white women, suggesting a bias based on social class and race.

Chivalry is more likely to be extended to women who commit crimes that fit traditional feminine stereotypes, like shoplifting or fraud.

The juvenile justice system relabeling girls' minor offenses as delinquency, increasing their chances of harsher punishments, potentially due to seeing these offenses as threats to traditional gender roles.

Suggests that women who engage in crime are taking on masculine characteristics due to changes in traditional gender roles and a push for equality in society.