Conflict Theory in Sociology
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What does Conflict Theory suggest about society?

  • Society functions without any disparities.
  • Society is orderly and consensus-based.
  • Society is divided into groups with competing ideas and values. (correct)
  • Society's laws are only made for the benefit of the poor.

    • What is one of the main influences on legislation and administrative regulation according to conflict theory?

  • Random chance
  • Public opinion
  • Individual morality
  • Special interests and lobbyists (correct)

    • Members of a less powerful group always conform to the laws of the more powerful group.

    False

    Criminal definitions are universally accepted, regardless of societal power dynamics.

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

    What are the two forms of social control described in the content?

    <p>Informal social control and formal social control</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do laws represent in the context of conflict theory?

    <p>The interests and values of the dominant group in society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Consensus Theory, law reflects the common interests of _____ as a whole.

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

    In conflict theory, the dominant group has the capital to shape _____ and public policy.

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

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Conflict Theory?

    <p>It promotes the idea of general societal agreement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following aspects of conflict theory with their descriptions:

    <p>Dominant Group = Influences law and policy Crime = Acts violating the dominant group's norms Political Construct = Reflects power dynamics in society Social Factors = Affect who is punished</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following theorists with their contributions to social theory.

    <p>Durkheim = Consensus Theory Weber = Consensus Theory Trevino = Functionalist Theory Sumner = Consensus Theory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to conflict theory, which of the following is NOT a factor affecting who is apprehended and punished?

    <p>Individual talent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Informal social control includes laws enforced by the state.

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

    What is a consequence of group norms differing from the norms of the more powerful group?

    <p>Members may be punished for violating laws.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The application of laws is uniform across all social groups.

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

    Who is mainly in control of defining what constitutes a crime in society?

    <p>Dominant groups in society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of laws according to conflict theory?

    <p>To serve the interests of the dominant group</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Crime is purely an illegal act without any political implications in conflict theory.

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

    Name one social factor that affects who is processed and punished under conflict theory.

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

    The dominant group controls the ______ definitions that reflect their norms and values.

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

    Which of the following best describes the influence of special interest groups in conflict theory?

    <p>They significantly shape legislation and court decisions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In conflict theory, the process of lawmaking is impartial and fair to all groups in society.

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

    According to conflict theory, what is the relationship between crime and power?

    <p>Crime reflects the interests and definitions established by the powerful.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following components are part of the normative system in social control?

    <p>Rules about acceptable behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Group members of lower power typically shape the laws that govern society.

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

    What is the role of informal social control in society?

    <p>Informal social control involves rules and regulations promoted by family, peers, and other social groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Conflict Theory, law is viewed as a tool for the _____ group to maintain control over society.

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

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Normative System = Guidelines for behavior in society Socialization = Process of teaching and learning norms Formal Social Control = Enforcement of laws by the state Informal Social Control = Enforcement through social norms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes consensus theory?

    <p>Laws reflect the common interests of society as a whole.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Formal social control is primarily enforced through family teachings.

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

    What is meant by 'criminal behavior' in the context of Conflict Theory?

    <p>Criminal behavior refers to actions that violate the laws created by the dominant group, reflecting group and cultural conflicts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Conflict Theory

    • Conflict theory suggests that society is characterized by inherent conflict and power struggles between different groups.
    • Power dynamics influence the creation and enforcement of laws.
    • The dominant group (those with more power) shapes legislation and administrative regulations to benefit themselves and maintain their position.
    • Laws represent the interests of the dominant group, not necessarily the common good.
    • According to conflict theory, laws are tools for the dominant group to control society and maintain their power.
    • Criminal definitions are not universal but reflect the values and interests of the dominant group.
    • The dominant group controls the legal definitions which are used to define criminal behavior.
    • Informal social control involves social pressures, norms, and expectations used to regulate behavior within a group.
    • Formal social control involves institutions like the police, courts, and prisons enforcing laws and regulations.
    • Group norms that differ from the norms of the dominant group can lead to conflict and the application of criminal sanctions.
    • Special interest groups use their power to influence lawmaking and public policy in their favor.

    Key Theorists

    • Karl Marx: emphasized the conflict between the bourgeoisie (the ruling class) and the proletariat (the working class).
    • Max Weber: focused on the role of power, status, and class in shaping social interactions and conflict.

    Crime and Power

    • Criminal behavior is defined by the dominant group and reflects their values and interests.
    • The dominant group controls the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and prisons, which disproportionately target and punish individuals from less powerful groups.
    • Social factors such as race, class, and gender influence who is processed and punished in the criminal justice system.
    • Crime is not purely an illegal act but rather a reflection of power dynamics.

    Consensus Theory

    • Consensus theory views law as a reflection of societal values and norms.
    • It suggests that law reflects the common interests of society as a whole.

    Comparing Theories

    • Conflict theory challenges the neutral and objective view of law presented in consensus theory.
    • It suggests that the law is not a neutral entity but a product of power struggles and social conflicts.

    ### Terms and Descriptions

    • Dominant Group: the group with the most power and influence in a society.
    • Legal Definitions: the ways in which criminal behavior is defined and classified by the law.
    • Special Interest Groups: groups that seek to influence government policy on specific issues.
    • Bourgeoisie: the capitalist class, which owns the means of production.
    • Proletariat: the working class, which does not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive.
    • Informal Social Control: social pressure and norms used to regulate behavior within a group.
    • Formal Social Control: laws and regulations enforced by institutions like the police and courts.
    • Normative System: the set of social norms that guide behavior in a society.

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    Related Documents

    11a - Conflict Theory _11-11-2024_.pdf

    Description

    This quiz explores the foundations and principles of Conflict Theory in sociology. Participants will examine the influence of power dynamics on legislation, social control mechanisms, and the characteristics that define this perspective. Test your understanding of how conflict shapes societal norms and law.

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