Theorists
Who thought that the social construct of capitalism would be overthrown and reformed?
Karl Marx
Conflict theory originally focused heavily on this type of struggle, ignoring other potential causes of crime like strain, poverty, or family environment?
Class struggle
According to conflict theory, laws and law enforcement often serve the interests of this group, reinforcing social inequality?
the ruling class (or the wealthy elite)
which two people suggested that criminal behaviour was because of the relationship between people and other deviant citizens?
Sutherland and Sellin
This theory criticizes conflict theory by suggesting that crime is learned from those around us, rather than being solely caused by economic inequality?
differential association theory
Conflict theory suggests that the War on Drugs disproportionately targets lower-class individuals, yet Wedding, a wealthy Canadian, avoided harsh penalties early on. This demonstrates how legal outcomes can be influenced by this factor?
social status (or privilege)
who focused their studies on patterns of social life and human interaction?
Georg Simmel
Conflict theory struggles to explain crimes that happen within marginalized communities because it primarily focuses on this dynamic?
the strong taking advantage of the weak
According to conflict theory, crime often stems from competition for resources and power. Wedding’s alleged murders of rivals show how criminal organizations use violence to maintain this?
control (or dominance over the drug trade)
who claimed that society is made up of competing interest groups that are trying to gain power over each other?
George B. Vold
Because conflict theory is considered a macro-level theory, it often overlooks these personal factors that influence criminal behavior?
individual choices and decision-making
According to conflict theory, elite criminals often face fewer consequences than marginalized offenders. However, Wedding is now one of these, proving that even the powerful can face state prosecution when their crimes become too significant to ignore?
the FBI’s Most Wanted list
who suggested that Crime is a result of an unfavorable environment that can distort human nature and that these environments exist as a result of capitalism and its values?
Willem Bonger
This type of crime, often linked to addiction or family issues, challenges conflict theory’s idea that all crime results from power struggles.
substance abuse-related crime
Conflict theory suggests that crime is most common among those in lower economic classes due to lack of opportunity. However, Wedding came from a wealthy background and a sport associated with privilege, challenging this common belief about crime?
hat crime is only committed by the lower class