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Conflict Theory: Conflict Criminology

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Throughout history, there have been many ways that criminologists have tried to describe crime. These theories have shared ideas and have advanced as time passes. However, today there is still no overall theory to why crime takes place. One suggestion to crime is conflict criminology. This theory has been around for a long time and has been better developed since it was first introduced. By analyzing conflict criminology, society can have a possible answer to some of the reason why crime exists. One of the best ways to look at a criminological theory is through popular culture. The motion picture Michael Clayton, is an astonishing film that showcases conflict theory well. However, what is conflict theory?
According to Bernard, Snipes, and Gerould, …show more content…

He describes a system where society is split into two groups, the proletariats and the bourgeoisie. The proletariat's represent the working class in a given society and the bourgeoisie are the ruling class (Rafter & Brown. 2011). Karl Marx theorized that the conflicts of interest would increase and there became more of a difference between the two classes. He also stated that after this inequality was recognized there would be a revolution, or a backlash from the proletariats. As described by Rafter and Brown in there book, the law only reflects the rules and regulations that the people in power, or bourgeoisies, want (2011). Ultimately, this system will put the working class against one another and they will redirect their anger at the wrong …show more content…

The early theorist Thorsten Sellin focused on the conflict of conduct norms (Bernard, Snipes, & Gerould. 2009). He said that these conduct norms forced certain people to act a given way in a particular circumstance. Many of these norms are transformed into laws. These laws would cause conflicts between the different cultures. Twenty years after Sellin, George B. Vold presented a new conflict theory. His theory focused on groups that form as people have common interests. These groups continue to form as new interests arise. The conflicts between these groups tend to overlap and intensify the loyalty of group members to their groups (Bernard, Snipes, & Gerould. 2009). He theorized that the main conflicts would come from the laws enacted by congress and focused on certain groups, usually groups who do not have a lot of power. However, these groups would react against the wrong people and will not go after the people with power.
Eventually in the early 1970’s Robert Quinney looks into the conflict theory. He argued that many forms of criminal actions are not because of personal issues but are caused by a conscientious objection against the status quo (Rafter & Brown. 2011). Quinney began to focus on what he called “peacemaking criminology.” They said that this conflict in societies can be fixed through building social bonds, trust and giving them a sense of

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