Critical theories

SOC 225

Alienation (Marx)

The feeling of separation and estrangement experienced by individuals in capitalist societies from their labor, the products they create, each other, and their own human potential.

Bourgeoisie (Marx)

The ruling class in capitalist society who own the means of production (e.g., factories, land, capital) and exploit the proletariat for profit.

Capitalism (Marx)

An economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production, wage labor, and the pursuit of profit.

Consensus Perspective

A sociological perspective that views society as based on shared values, norms, and beliefs, with laws reflecting this collective agreement.

Conflict Perspective

A sociological perspective that views society as characterized by inequality and competition between different groups with conflicting interests, where law is a tool of the powerful.

Cultural Conflict Theory (Sellin)

The theory that crime arises when the norms and values of different cultural groups clash.

Cultural Hegemony (Gramsci)

The dominance of ruling-class ideology and cultural norms that are accepted by subordinate classes as common sense, leading to consent in their own domination.

Discipline (Foucault)

Social practices and techniques that aim to create order and obedience by regulating behavior and producing "docile bodies."

Group Conflict Theory (Vold)

The theory that law is a product of conflict between different interest groups in society.

Instrumental Marxism

A perspective within Marxist criminology that views the state and legal system as direct instruments of the capitalist class.

Micro-powers (Foucault)

Everyday forms of power and governance that operate at a local level, shaping individual behavior (e.g., rules in schools and workplaces).

Proletariat (Marx)

The working class in capitalist society who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor power to the bourgeoisie for wages.

Relative Autonomy (Structural Marxism)

The idea that the state, while ultimately serving the interests of capitalism, has a degree of independence from the direct control of the ruling class.

Risk Society

A term used to describe modern society characterized by a heightened awareness of and preoccupation with risks, leading to a focus on risk management and prediction in governance.

Segments of Society (Quinney)

Groups in society that have varying levels of power and influence over the law-making process.

Structural Functionalism

A sociological perspective that views society as a complex system of interdependent parts that work together to maintain stability and order.

Structural Marxism

A perspective within Marxist criminology that views the state and legal system as functioning to maintain the long-term interests of capitalism, even if not always directly controlled by the ruling class.

Surveillance (Foucault)

he monitoring and observation of individuals and groups, which can shape behavior and create conformity through the awareness of being watched.