Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 94%

How does a conflict theorist view crime?

Rationale

Crime and deviance are rooted in the structure of an oppressive society where the power elite use the legal system to maintain social inequality.

Conflict theorists argue that crime is a result of social structures that foster inequality, emphasizing how the ruling class manipulates laws to serve their interests while marginalizing lower socioeconomic groups. This perspective highlights that crime is not merely individual wrongdoing but a social phenomenon deeply intertwined with power dynamics.

A (The problem of crime could easily be solved by building more prisons and increasing incarceration rates.) YOUR ANSWER

This viewpoint oversimplifies the complex nature of crime by suggesting that punitive measures alone can solve the issue. Conflict theorists contend that such approaches often perpetuate social inequality and ignore the underlying societal structures that contribute to criminal behavior.

B (High crime rates are the price we pay for encouraging freedom and nonconformity.) YOUR ANSWER

While this statement acknowledges a degree of societal freedom, it fails to recognize that crime is often a reflection of deeper systemic issues rather than merely a consequence of individual nonconformity. Conflict theorists focus on how social inequality influences crime rates, rather than attributing crime solely to freedom.

D (Deviance and the tendency to commit crime is primarily an inborn characteristic and could be eliminated by genetic engineering.) YOUR ANSWER

This perspective emphasizes biological determinism, which conflict theorists reject. They argue that crime is not an inherent trait but rather a societal construct influenced by socioeconomic conditions and systemic power imbalances, making genetic engineering an irrelevant solution.

Conclusion

Conflict theory provides a critical lens to understand crime as a manifestation of societal inequities, highlighting the role of the powerful in shaping laws that perpetuate their dominance. By focusing on structural factors rather than individual characteristics or simplistic solutions, this perspective offers a more comprehensive understanding of crime and deviance within society.

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