The pros and cons of conflict theory

Running head : Both Sides of Conflict Theory

Analyzing Both Sides of the Conflict Theory

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Analyzing Both Sides of the Conflict Theory

Conflict theory was the first radical criminological theory proposed by the scholars in the 1960s (Barkan ,

. 254 . It particularly analyzes the role of conflicts in class , gender , and power in the incidences of crimes in a particular society . It tells that these conflicts are the reasons why people commit crimes . This specific thought opposes the view of the consensus theory which perceives

crime as any behavior that violates criminal law (Barkan ,

. 14 . To compare , Conflict theory believes that a crime is far more complex than the first definition , assuming that people do not share the same values , beliefs and dispositions

Because of this , the conflict theory becomes one of the theories that are applicable for larger contextual conditions . In fact , the theory encompasses a wide range of areas which makes it divided into sub- categories , such as radical criminology , peacemaking criminology radical feminism , and left realism (Greek , 2005 . These minorities - the poor , Blacks , Hispanics , to name a few - are being given focus and importance through the theory . Marx and Engels specified that justice is not attainable and is unfairly being administered to the minorities Through the conflict theory , an explanation on why minorities get involved with crimes is provided . The theory explains that laws against crimes are made not for the interest of everyone but only for themselves . Laws are made to serve the interest of the powerful who knows that their illegal malpractices can only become legal if the laws will be made based on their needs . This made conflict theory sounds more realistic with consensus theory . It has able to portray the problem with power struggles as a source of crime motives that other theories disregarded or missed to see

However , proponents of the conflict theory also got blinded and missed to see some of the criticisms regarding the conflict . First of all , it is said that the conflict theory is too generalized and assuming with its discussion on the implementation of laws in societies . Laws connected to the prevention of street crimes such as robbery and murder do not necessarily serve the purpose of the powerful and neglects the less powerful minorities . In fact , such kinds of laws are directed to serve the security of everyone , and not just a little percentage of the people . The theory seems to forget that although people are different in some aspects , they still posses the same characteristics and needs . In this particular situation , all people need security for their lives . The laws protecting people 's lives could not be considered as law protecting only the interests of those who are in power it is also for the benefit of other people

In addition to this criticism , the theory of conflict also shows a weak spot in terms of labeling disparities . There has been inconsistency in the evidence of such gaps tackling how...