During the 17th and 18th centuries of the world

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What does the social contract represent in critical theories? How does its presence or absence explain crime? During the 17 th and 18 th centuries of the world, a variety of researchers, philosophers, and even those within early forms of criminology spent their lives’ efforts towards a better understanding of society’s structure. As part of this research, the term of a ‘social contract’ came from classical criminology (Snipes et al., 2019). While this type of thinking existed in the earlier times of Europe, it slowly made its way into a spiritual perspective as well. A social contract is defined as a conception of ‘free will.’ Therefore, humanity can do as one pleases, he or she chooses to involve themselves within criminal behavior but understanding that responsibility for their actions must be taken (Snipes et al., 2019). In 1274, St. Thomas Aquinas studied theology, and, in his research, he clearly defined the concept of a social contract as something given by God (Snipes et al., 2019). He believed that concept of a social contract was not manmade, yet something God gave us due to our inclination to participate in delinquent activities. Aquinas explains the Bible’s discussion of man’s sin nature and how we are inclined to make decisions on what benefits ourselves. As part of this, man’s hearts have evil within them regardless of our attempts to ‘do the right thing’ (Snipes et al., 2019). St. Aquinas’ research was directly related to the first spiritual discussions concerning social contracts. Multiple opinions have been created based on the principle of a social contract. Thomas Hobbs, a philosopher, scientist, and historian, focused his efforts on creating the ‘social contract theory.’ He believed every human individual could rationalize their decisions, but one would not give up their selfish decision-making unless all of society did (Snipes et al., 2019). Therefore, he created a new perspective on the concept of a social contract. His new perspective defined a social contract as something similar to a peace treaty that must be signed by everyone within a community in order for society to function without war. Like the concepts within the social contract theory and religious perceptions of a social contract, critical theories in criminology highlight the structures of society based on wealth, race, and social status (Snipes et al., 2019). Those in support of critical theories believe that conflict, self-interest, and inequality are the causes of delinquency within society. Examples of critical theories in our current society is the feminist perspective theories, queer theories, and even the critical race theory (CRT). While each of these theories seem to fight for ‘everyone,’ individuals within these theories are still only concerned with their own profit and well-being. Therefore, nobody signs the ‘peace treaty.’ Therefore, the theory of a social contract is absent, the Bible’s description of a social contract still exists. In summary, humankind is inclined to make both selfish and evil decisions, like criminal behavior. References Cowling, M. (2008). The Lumpenproletariat as the Criminal Class?. In: Marxism and Criminological Theory. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230234710_7 Snipes, J. B., Bernard, T. J., & Gerould, A. L. (2019). Vold's Theoretical Criminology. New York: Oxford University Press.

What is meant by the term "lumpenproletariat"? How is it used to describe criminal behavior? During the 1800s, Karl Marx was a prominent philosopher, theorist, socialist, historian, and economist from Germany. His role in the field of modern criminology was substantial. Marx’s theories were often related to Marxist beliefs and how they perceived criminal behavior in society. In fact, he created two different perspectives of criminal behavior. The first perspective was focused on basic human functions and nature of oneself (Snipes et al., 2019). He explained that it was basic human function to have the desire to be a member of society that was productive in both their personal life and work life. Yet, the many changes of modern society have created industry-like capitalized societies. These societies have high rights for unemployed individuals along with those who are not doing enough in the positions they are in. Therefore, these types of individuals become unproductive. As a direct result, individuals within both types of categories are given opportunities to be productive through criminal means. Karl Marx then created a term or name for individuals within this type of position (Snipes et al., 2019). These individuals were referred to as ‘lumpenproletariat’. These individuals are seen as the lowest of the working class and they often were prostitutes, tramps, or career criminals. His second perspective on criminal behavior was against the many principles of philosophy (Snipes et al., 2019). Marx believed that anyone could equally join a social contract, but it required goodwill. Yet, his perspectives did not encounter the issues of inequality within wealth and power, but it was understood that wealth is power. Yet, how does the term of lumpenproletariat define criminal behavior? In this term, Marx stated that individuals were not productive, therefore, they lacked wealth and power. Criminal behavior exists as an opportunity for both self-benefit and self-pleasure (Cowling, 2008). In summary, basic human nature pushes each individual to socialize and be productive. However, some individuals can have their status taken away due to the unfairness of society, while others choose to not be productive. Therefore, criminal behavior in itself is an option for all, but especially those within the lowest class of society or the lumpenproletariats (Cowling, 2008). References Cowling, M. (2008). The Lumpenproletariat as the Criminal Class?. In: Marxism and Criminological Theory . Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230234710_7 Snipes, J. B., Bernard, T. J., & Gerould, A. L. (2019). Vold's Theoretical Criminology. New York: Oxford University Press.

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