Ch 11-Conflict Theories

Question 1

conflict theories

Answer 1

question assumption that laws represent interests of society as a whole
posit that social norms and values codified into law are those endorsed by the more powerful/dominant group in society

Question 2

cultural conflict theory

Answer 2

(sellin)

• in complex societies, diverse cultural groups maintain distinct cultural norms (rules governing appropriate behaviour)
• conduct norms of diff cultural groups may created cultural conflict
• crime results when conduct norms of one cultural group are extended over a group w diff conduct norms

Question 3

group conflict theory

Answer 3

(vold)
-focuses on crime arising from conflict btw competing “interest” groups
-law-making is a political process involving conflict btw interest group
two classes can result in crim behaviour:
-conflict btw behaviour of a min group and laws of dominant maj
-conflict btw competing interest groups vying for power

criticized for only explaining narrow range of crimes

Question 4

Quinney: conflict theory

Answer 4

1. crime is definition of human conduct created by authorized agents in politically organized society
2. definitions describe behaviours that conflict with interests of societal segments that shape public policy
3. definitions applied by segments of society that shape enforcement and administration of criminal law
4. behavioural patterns organized in relation to criminal definitions
5. conception of crime constructed, diffused by mass media
6. social reality of crime is constructed by the formulation and application of criminal definitions

Question 5

Marxist conflict perspectives

Answer 5

• pol and econ structures of capitalism promote conflict, precipitate conditions that allow crime to occur
• law and crime should not be studied in isolation, rather in relation to the whole of society, esp the econ sphere

Question 6

instrumental marxism

Answer 6

• assumes state, legal, political institutions are direct flection of interests of ruling/capitalist class
• law equated w class rule (ruling class controls law formation w focus on coercive nature, state and legal system are instruments of the capitalist class)
• crime control realized through institutions/agencies controlled by political elite
• subordinate class remains oppressed by w/e means necessary, esp the legal system

Question 7

critiques of instrumental marxism

Answer 7

• wrongly portrays ruling class as homogeneous
• ignores constraints of powers on ruling class
• ignores legislation contradictory to position of powerful capitalist class
• overly deterministic view that economic base is foundation of superstructure