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Karl Marx 's Theory Of Crime And Deviance

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Karl Marx was a sociologist in the eighteenth century and was one of the first to develop and explain a conflict perspective on how society functions, he was a liberal reformist who had more radical views about the origins of crime and deviance. He became popular in the US and UK during the 1970’s. Like many radical criminologists, he developed the perspective of the conflict theory that explained how some social interactions result in to conflict and how individuals engage in conflict daily to gain more social wealth and resources. As some groups have greater power than others they possess greater sources compared to other groups. These groups may also more powers such as social, political and economic power. This is how conflict between the groups develops as they are in constant battle of domination amongst each other. He also explained how capitalism is a mode of production that creates class, conflict and crime (Chambliss, 1975)
The groups that have political power are able to show their power by creating dominant norms, values or culture. They have the power to decide what is seen to be as criminal acts and what is breaking the law in order to protect themselves and their interests and also control activities carried out by other groups. For example, those who are white, male, and wealthy and possess political power are dominants within society and those who are of the minority group and are not wealthy are named as the subordinate group. These groups are usually seen

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