The radical conflict perspective (25):
Introduction:
Conflict theories came to the fore in the middle to later part of the 20th century.
Conflict theories focus on the political nature of crime and examine the
introduction and enforcement of criminal legislation.
Focus attention on the struggle between individuals/ groups in terms of power.
Fundamental assumption; societies are characterised by conflict and not by
consensus.
Consensus is a temporary state of affairs, but the use of power to establish and
maintain consensus is the central issue.
The most powerful groups in society control the law, and it is the values of
theses groups that are accepted as the legal standard for behaviour.
Radical criminology, which came to the fore in the 1970s, originated in the
works of 19th century social utopian thinkers, and in particular in the works of
Karl Marx.
Marx’s work on conflict, as an inherent part of capitalism, gave rise to the
formulation of communist ideals.
The conflict model of crime is based on the assumption that
differences in race, class, income and age cause groups to fight for
power.
Groups with the most power pass laws that protect the status quo
against resistance by marginalised groups.
Definitions of crime depend on who is in power, with less powerful
groups characterised and targeted as criminals to keep them in a
subordinate position.
Definition of key concept(s):
Conflict Perspective:
The conflict perspective maintains that society is composed of diverse groups with
conflicting values and interests. In all societies, these groups have differential access
to
power, prestige and wealth. The Marxist approach to conflict theory focuses on
economic determinism and the importance of social class.
The legacy of Marx and Bonger:
A capitalist society, for Marx, is one in which property and wealth become
progressively concentrated in fewer and fewer hands.
Society polarises into 2 groups whose interests are fundamentally in opposition.
Marx identified 2 fundamental social classes within any capitalist society,
namely proletariat (the “have-nots”) and the bourgeoisie (the “haves”).
The Proletariat:
The proletariat represent the masses, who have less education and no
power.
Introduction:
Conflict theories came to the fore in the middle to later part of the 20th century.
Conflict theories focus on the political nature of crime and examine the
introduction and enforcement of criminal legislation.
Focus attention on the struggle between individuals/ groups in terms of power.
Fundamental assumption; societies are characterised by conflict and not by
consensus.
Consensus is a temporary state of affairs, but the use of power to establish and
maintain consensus is the central issue.
The most powerful groups in society control the law, and it is the values of
theses groups that are accepted as the legal standard for behaviour.
Radical criminology, which came to the fore in the 1970s, originated in the
works of 19th century social utopian thinkers, and in particular in the works of
Karl Marx.
Marx’s work on conflict, as an inherent part of capitalism, gave rise to the
formulation of communist ideals.
The conflict model of crime is based on the assumption that
differences in race, class, income and age cause groups to fight for
power.
Groups with the most power pass laws that protect the status quo
against resistance by marginalised groups.
Definitions of crime depend on who is in power, with less powerful
groups characterised and targeted as criminals to keep them in a
subordinate position.
Definition of key concept(s):
Conflict Perspective:
The conflict perspective maintains that society is composed of diverse groups with
conflicting values and interests. In all societies, these groups have differential access
to
power, prestige and wealth. The Marxist approach to conflict theory focuses on
economic determinism and the importance of social class.
The legacy of Marx and Bonger:
A capitalist society, for Marx, is one in which property and wealth become
progressively concentrated in fewer and fewer hands.
Society polarises into 2 groups whose interests are fundamentally in opposition.
Marx identified 2 fundamental social classes within any capitalist society,
namely proletariat (the “have-nots”) and the bourgeoisie (the “haves”).
The Proletariat:
The proletariat represent the masses, who have less education and no
power.
