Class 16 and 17: Social Conflict Theories

What does conflict theory see as the outcome of crime?

Crime is seen as the outcome of class struggle caused by economic inequality.

What are examples of true crimes according to social conflict theory?

Racism, sexism, imperialism, poor housing/childcare/working conditions, pollution, and war.

What does conflict theory assume about crime?

It assumes that crime is caused by intergroup rivalry.

Which criminological theories focus on the crime-producing traits like capitalism?

Critical criminology, radical criminology, and Marxist criminology.

What are the two components of production in Marxism?

Productive forces (technology, energy sources, material resources) and relations of production (the people involved in production).

What would a social conflict theorist see as the most important features of 'class?

Class grouping tells us who has the power to exploit others in society.

What class divisions does Willem Bonger identify?

The 'have' and 'have-not' groups.

What is the role of law according to Willem Bonger?

Law serves the ruling class, and resources are monopolized by the bourgeoisie, leading to law-breaking.

What did Ralf Dahrendorf propose regarding society?

Defined imperatively coordinated associations: authority/domination

relationship

He proposed that society has multiple competing interest groups and a unified conflict theory.

What does George Vold say about law creation?

Laws are created by politically oriented groups, and conflict arises at every stage of the process.

The government is used to protect interests and defend rights.

What do self-report studies reveal about crime distribution? (basis for modern conflict theory)

They show a more even distribution of crime across class groups than official statistics.

What did the new research (basis for modern conflict theory) focus on?

• 1) identifying "real" crimes in society [Crenshaw]

• 2) evaluating how the law is a mechanism of social control

• 3) refocus on social inequality

1960s-1970s significance for conflict theory

Social and political upheaval during this period supported the development of conflict theory

What are the main objectives of conflict criminology?

• To describe how the control of political/economic systems affects the CJS

• To show how definitions of crime favour those who control the CJS

• To show how justice is skewed/uneven (those who deserve to be punished most are punished least)

What creates conflict in power‑relations theory?

Unequal distribution of power and wealth

Relationship between the justice system and members of minority groups

• Only 13% of police are women

• Only 3% of the public police force are visible minorities

• Indigenous policing has higher representation through policing on reserve/in Indigenous communities

How does the CJS structure and Discretionary decision‑making affect minorities?

They further victimize minority groups

Who proposed the Social Reality of Crime theory?

Richard Quinney

What does the Social Reality of Crime theory focus on?

The interrelationships between power, society, and criminality

According to the Social Reality of Crime, who controls concepts of crime?

The powerful CJS works to secure the needs of the powerful.

What does the theory of the social reality of crime propose?

It proposes that criminal definitions are based on changing social conditions and the emerging interests, a changing conception of public interest, and an increased demand to protect political, economic, and religious interests.

What is norm resistance in the context of social conflict?

It refers to the conflict between authorities and groups with low/no control over the law, leading to open conflict. (Both groups have cultural and social norms)

Which research method is used most often to test social conflict theory?

Historical research

What are the characteristics of 'dangerous classes' in criminology?

Personal characteristics such as being young, single, urban, male, and racialized may result in harsher treatment in the CJS.

How do pre-trial court procedures produce unequal treatment?

- Poor People are less likely to retain counsel

- Certain groups are more likely to be denied bail

- Translation and interpretation services are poorly managed

What is the significance of the R. v. Gladue case?

It highlights the need for consideration of Indigenous circumstances in sentencing.

After this case, judges can explore other punishments besides incarceration for indigenous people.

What is the focus of Marxist criminology?

It values political/ideological foundations over empiricism and argues that capitalism produces a high level of violence and crime.

What does the term 'correctionalist' refer to in criminology?

Social science seeks to correct criminal behaviours rather than explain it (as rooted in economic relations)

What does the term 'social conflict' imply in criminology?

It implies that conflict is inevitable between authorities and those controlled by the law.

What is the impact of police demographics on policing?

Only 13% of police are women and 3% are visible minorities, affecting representation and policing practices.

What is the critique of positivist criminology by radical criminologists?

They argue that positivist criminology fails to address the economic relations that underlie criminal behavior.

What is the role of discretionary decision-making in the CJS?

It can further victimize minorities and contribute to unequal treatment in the justice system.

What does the term 'imperatively coordinated associations' refer to?

It refers to the authority and domination relationships in society as proposed by Ralf Dahrendorf.

What are the implications of social and economic issues in research methods?

Research methods focus on historical context and the relationship between the CJS and class conflict.

What is the focus of research methods in criminology according to the notes?

Social and economic issues rather than just crime rates.

What do Marxist criminologists believe about capitalism and crime?

Capitalism produces a high level of violence and crime.

What is the difference between Instrumental Marxism and Structural Marxism?

Instrumental Marxism views law as advancing particular groups' interests, while Structural Marxism sees law as maintaining the capitalist system.

What does Left Realism emphasize in criminology?

Due process over crime control and the impact of street crimes on communities.

Pre-emptive deterrence

Community organization efforts can reduce crime before it's necessary to use police

Marxist feminism

Gender inequality stems

from the unequal power of men and women in capitalism (as seen through the use of private property, male domination, and the exploitation of women). Women have less opportunity to participate in white-collar crime, and are denied access to male dominated street crimes

Radical feminism

• Crime committed by women is due to the patriarchy

• Many women who commit crimes are also victims

• Exploitation can trigger delinquency/deviance

• Critiqued as white feminism

What is the concept of Double Marginality in Marxist feminism?

Women experience marginalization from both capitalist economic structures and patriarchal gender hierarchies.

Masculinity scholarship

Men emulate behaviours that are culturally coded as "ideal masculine behaviours"

Power‑Control Theory suggests that crime and delinquency rates result from two factors:

Class position (power) and family functions (control).

Paternalistic families

Fathers as primary breadwinners, men in positions of control (Cult of domesticity)

Egalitarian families

an equal sharing of authority and power

What two family types does power control theory identify?

Paternalistic and egalitarian

What is the difference between retributive and restorative justice?

Retributive justice focuses on punishment, while restorative justice emphasizes repairing relationships.

Zehr

Crime is a violation of relationships.

Pioneer of the modern concept of restorative justice

Legal View

The state has authority over people who possess group qualities (values, bonds, etc.)

Restorative view

These group qualities only exist in smaller, less formal, and more cohesive social groups.

Crime is redefined as a conflict between the offender, the victims, and the communities

What is the recidivism rate in sentencing circles compared to traditional courts?

Approximately 5% in sentencing circles versus ~25% through courts.

What does Peacemaking Criminology advocate for?

Humanism, mediation, and conflict resolution as solutions to crime.

What is the critique of brutal state punishments according to Peacemaking Criminology?

They endorse brutality and may encourage crime.

What role does mutual aid play in Peacemaking Criminology?

It is preferred over coercive punishment.

What is the 'cult of domesticity' in the context of family structures?

A societal expectation that fathers are primary breadwinners and men hold positions of control.

What is the significance of community organization efforts in Left Realism?

They can reduce crime before police intervention is necessary.

What is the critique of radical feminism mentioned in the notes?

It is critiqued as 'white feminism' for not addressing the intersectionality of race.

What does restorative justice redefine crime as?

A conflict between the offender, victims, and communities.

What is the main concern of the 'dangerous classes' in relation to the CJS?

Their characteristics may lead to harsher treatment and sentencing in the criminal justice system.

What is the role of law enforcement in Left Realism?

It could serve as a life-saving tool with less force and more sensitivity needed.