Conflict Theory in Sociology
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Questions and Answers

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 (B)

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

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

Informal social control includes laws enforced by the state.

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

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

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

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

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

Formal social control is primarily enforced through family teachings.

<p>False (B)</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

Flashcards

Conflict Theory

A theory stating that the legal system and law enforcement reflect the power struggles between different groups in society, specifically that the powerful (dominant group) create the laws.

Dominant Group

The group(s) holding significant political, social, and economic power to shape laws and policies benefiting their interests.

Criminal Definitions

The actions that violate the norms and values of the dominant group(s) in society, defined as "crime".

Application of Laws

The enforcement of criminal definitions by the dominant group(s) in society. It is important to consider how social traits impact who gets punished.

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Social Factors

Social characteristics (sex, race, age, social class) and social positions (education, occupation) impacting legal outcomes.

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Political Construct

The idea that "crime" and "criminals" are defined and labeled by those in power to serve their interests, not necessarily to reflect actual harm to society.

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Special Interests/Lobbyists

Groups that exert influence on lawmaking and policy based on their political, social, and economic leverage, which can influence public opinion.

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Influence on Law and Policy

Special interest groups can affect what laws are made, how they are enforced, and public opinion about crime through various means, from lobbying to influencing court decisions.

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Conflict Theory

A theory that views society as divided into groups with differing power and values, where the dominant group creates and enforces laws.

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Social Control

The methods, formal and informal, used to regulate behavior and encourage conformity to norms and laws.

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Informal Social Control

Social control through family, peers, and other groups, using methods like socialization and social sanctions.

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Formal Social Control

Control enforced by the state through laws and punishments.

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Consensus Theory

A theory that suggests laws reflect a shared agreement or consensus about what is right and wrong in society.

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Functionalist Theory

A variant of consensus theory that posits that laws promote the 'greater public welfare'.

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Normative Consensus

Widespread agreement on societal norms and values, leading to laws.

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Socialization

The process of learning societal values, norms, and customs.

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Conflict Theory

Society is divided, with powerful groups creating laws to benefit themselves.

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Social Control

Methods to control behavior and ensure conformity to norms.

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Informal Social Control

Social control from family, peers, and other groups.

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Formal Social Control

Control by the state through laws and punishments.

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Consensus Theory

Laws reflect shared societal agreement and values.

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Functionalist Theory

Laws serve the common good, promoting societal well-being.

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Normative Consensus

Broad agreement on what is considered acceptable or unacceptable behaviour.

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Socialization

The process of learning societal values, norms, and customs.

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Conflict Theory of Law

Laws reflect power struggles, not universal agreement; the powerful create laws.

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Dominant Group

The group with the power to influence laws and policies.

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Crime (from Conflict)

Actions that challenge the interests of the powerful.

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Law Application Bias

Enforcement of laws unevenly applied, favoring the powerful.

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Special Interests

Groups with significant influence on lawmaking.

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Political Construct (Crime)

The idea that "crime" is defined by those in power.

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Influence on Law(making)

Special interest groups affect law creation.

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Law's Symbolic Function

Laws can signal condemnation, potentially deterring behavior.

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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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