Marxist and Conflict Theories
The function of the law, according to Marx and Engels, was to obscure real power by offering power on ______ to everyone equally.
What is on paper?
Marx argued that the power of the capitalists comes from their ability to control both the means of production and ___________.
What is communication?
He argued that law has two functions: instrumental and symbolic.
Who is Gusfield?
Under this concept, we assume that nature (the material world) is full of contradictions (conflict) and that through a process of negotiating those contradictions, we arrive at a new reality.
What is dialectical materialism?
This author argued that to minimize criminal activity in a capitalist society, we would need to redistribute wealth, consider all people’s needs, and create shared ownership of the means of production.
Who is Bonger?
He argued that groups with the power to control the law had the power to criminalize (or make deviant) groups who did not have that power.
Who is Turk?
This group of theories focuses on the political economy and the capitalist system in their analyses of power and conflict.
What are Marxist theories?
Marx argued that if workers lived under this, then they couldn't understand or acknowledge their oppression and exploitation, and the bourgeoisie could manipulate them by labeling behaviors or groups that are dangerous to capitalism as deviant.
What is a false consciousness?
This function of the law prohibits individual behavior; the law tells individuals what actions they can and cannot engage in, and agents of the law enforce those rules.
What is instrumental?
Marx argued that the fundamental basis of society was ________ conflict.
What is class conflict?
Steven Spitzer expanded on traditional Marxist thought; he argued that capitalism was changing to advanced or _________ capitalism.
What is monopoly?
He argues that individuals are “group-involved beings” who both influence and are influenced by the groups of which they are a part; conflict arises when groups' interests and needs overlap.
Who is Vold?
This group of theories advocates for a revolutionary overthrow of the capitalist system as the only way to solve power differentials and conflict.
What are Marxist theories?
Spitzer argued that capitalism would create two “problem populations” and that capitalists would see these two groups as __________ (the unneeded laborers) and __________ (those critical of the system).
What are “social junk” and “social dynamite”?
He outlined six propositions describing what he called the “social reality of crime,” including the definition of crime and the application of criminal definition.
Who is Quinney?