Ch 9: Crime and Conflict Theory

These flashcards cover key concepts and details from the lecture on Crime and Conflict Theory, providing a study resource for students preparing for their exam.

What is conflict theory?

A perspective stating that power relations are central, characterized by groups with power versus those without it.

What is the consensus model in crime?

A model that rates crimes based on their societal effects, aiming for societal agreement.

Who are the 'haves' and 'have-nots' in society according to conflict theory?

The 'haves' are those with power and wealth, while the 'have-nots' are those without.

What was the relationship between masters and slaves in antiquity?

Masters owned slaves, who had no chance for social mobility.

What characterized the middle ages concerning social structure?

Lords and serfs, where serfs were tied to land and dependent on lords.

How did the industrial age (1850 CE) change social dynamics?

Created a divide between capitalists and workers, with workers making profits for others.

What trend is observed in class inequality today?

Inequality appears to be worsening, with a shrinking middle class.

What can conflict lead to besides destruction?

Positive social change, such as labor unions or rights movements.

How does crime relate to social and economic conflict in criminology?

Crime is viewed as stemming from the unfair distribution of wealth and power.

What are the main powers that govern societal definitions of law?

Billionaires, governments, religious institutions, lobbyist groups, and judges.

What misconception often surrounds Marxism?

It's often simplified to purely a theory of communism.

What does 'class' denote in a sociological context?

A position relative to others based on wealth, power, and the ability to exploit.

What are the two components of production under capitalism?

Productive forces and productive relations.

Define the bourgeoisie in Marxist terms.

The class that owns the means of production.

Define the proletariat in Marxist terms.

The working class that is employed by the bourgeoisie.

What is the lumpenproletariat?

Those who do not produce goods and live off the work of others.

List the early theorists of conflict theory applied to criminology.

Willem Bonger and Ralf Dahrendorf.

What does Bonger assert about laws?

They protect the interests of the haves while persecuting the have-nots.

What did Ralf Dahrendorf propose about power structures?

Society consists of groups with authority and those without, creating competition for power.

Who is George Vold and what is his contribution to conflict theory?

He argued that laws are created by politically motivated groups to protect their interests.

How did crime statistics shift in the 1950s?

They revealed crime might be more prevalent among middle and upper classes than previously thought.

What do radical criminologists identify as 'real' crimes?

Profiteering, sexism, and racism.

What role does labeling theory play in understanding crime?

It suggests crime definitions are socially constructed based on subjective experiences.

What is Richard Quinney’s perspective on the social reality of crime?

Crime is defined by those with political authority to shape laws.

How is the criminal justice system viewed by conflict theorists?

As a means of maintaining power and control by those in authority.

What is instrumental Marxism?

A view that sees the state and law as instruments for controlling the working class.

What is structural Marxism?

Holds that the law perpetuates the capitalist system without a conscious ruling class.

Discuss the impact of surplus value under capitalism.

It increases the wealth of capitalists while disenfranchising workers, leading to crime.

How does marginalization relate to crime?

It reduces societal commitment, leading to instability and increased criminality.

What critique exists against radical feminists regarding crime?

They often overlook the complexity of women's experiences and reduce crime to patriarchal structures.

What alternative does restorative justice propose?

To focus on healing and community ownership of conflict instead of retribution.

Describe the importance of deconstruction in conflict theory.

It analyzes language to illustrate how racism and sexism are institutionalized.

What does power-control theory suggest about male delinquency?

That economic power and family structure influence criminal behavior.

How does left realism approach understanding crime?

By examining relative deprivation and lack of political solutions leading to crime.

What implications does capitalism have for social structure?

It fosters competition and precarious employment, which can lead to crime.