Chapter 9

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Social Conflict

Sociological Theories III

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Law and Social Order Perspectives

• Consensus perspective

• Pluralist perspective

• Conflict perspective

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Consensus Perspective

Most members of society agree on what is right and wrong,…

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…and the various elements of society work toward a common and shared vision of the greater good

Consensus Perspective

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Pluralist Perspective

• Multiple values and beliefs exist among groups

• Law is a useful means of dispute resolution

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Conflict PerspectiveConflict:

• is a fundamental aspect of social life• can never be fully resolved

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• Laws are tools of the powerful

Conflict Perspective

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Laws keep those not in power from wresting controlof importantsocial institutions

Conflict Perspective

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Radical-Critical Criminology

• Proletariat vs. Bourgeoisie

• The haves and the have nots

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Early-Radical Criminology

The notion of social classThe notion of social class

Upper

Middle

Lower© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

Radical Criminology Today

Causes of crime are rooted in social conditions which empower the wealthy…

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…and the politically well organized,

Radical Criminology Today

but…© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

Radical Criminology Today

…disenfranchise those who are less fortunate

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Critical Criminology

• More reactive than proactive

• Different from Marxist criminology

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Does not aim to “overthrow” the ruling class,…

Critical Criminology

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…but criticizes the way it believes such a group dominates society

Critical Criminology

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Radicals suggest we put our efforts into the creation of economic equality…

Critical Criminology

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…or employment opportunities to combat crime

Critical Criminology

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Conflict Theories

• Left-realist criminology

• Feminist criminology

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• Postmodern criminology

• Peacemaking criminology

Conflict Theories

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Left-realist Criminology

Seeks to portray crime from the

viewpoint of those most affected by it, such as:

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Left-realist Criminology

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• Victims

• Their families

• Offenders

• Criminal justice personnel

Feminist CriminologyConflict in society is based on inequality

due primarily to gender© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

• Liberal feminists

Feminist Criminology

• Radical feminists

• Socialist feminists

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Postmodern CriminologyCrime and crime control are constructions produced through a social process,…

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Postmodern Criminology

...in which offender, victim, and society are all involved

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Peacemaking Criminology

Social control agencies and the citizens they serve should work together...© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

…to alleviate social problems and human suffering,

Peacemaking Criminology

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…to alleviate social problems and human suffering and thus reduce crime

Peacemaking Criminology

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Restorative Justice

New perspective based on remedies and restoration…

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… rather than on prison, punishment, and victim neglect

Restorative Justice

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