1. Schools of Thought in the Conflict Perspective STRUCTURAL MARXIST INSTRUMENTAL RADICAL Sociologists who view crime & deviance as a result of social conflict and economic rivalry are aligned with a number of schools of thought, referred to as:
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3. Marxist View of Class PROFITS WAGES Workers (Proletariat) Owners of Production (Capitalist Bourgeoisie) The Non-Productive (Lumpen Proletariat)
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6. Conflict Theory- Overview MAJOR PREMISE Deviance is a function of class conflict. The definition of what is deviant is controlled by people who hold social and political power. STRENGTHS Accounts for class differentials in categorizing those who are “deviant”. Shows how class conflict influences behavior.
7. Structural Conflict Theory Explains the existence of white-collar crime and business control laws. . STRENGTHS The law is designed to sustain the capitalist economic system MAJOR PREMISE
8. Instrumental Conflict Theory MAJOR PREMISE Criminals are revolutionaries. The real crime is sexism, racism , and profiteering. STRENGTHS Broadens the definition of deviancy and demystifies or explains the historical development of law.
9. Marxist Theory STRENGTHS Accounts for the associations between economic structure and crime rates. MAJOR PREMISE The capitalist means of production creates class conflict. Crime is a rebellion of the lower class. The criminal justice system is an agent of class warfare.
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