Analyzing Both Sides of the Conflict Theory Essay

Conflict theory was the first radical criminological theory proposed by the scholars in the 1960s (Barkan, p. 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 â€Å"any behavior that violates criminal law† (Barkan, p. 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 dominant groups use the law to support their personal interests. In this way, the theory, in some ways, lose slightly its credibility. Nevertheless, the greatest strength of the theory is its vast and radical way of exploring the reason behind crimes in societies. These crimes are deeply rooted in the skins of the people who commit them. Although committers of crime are being treated as lowly kind of persons, their condition is being protected by the conflict theory. The theory will simply said that instead of committers, the minorities are victims of a much bigger crime brought about by the powerful groups to them. The theory, instead of prosecuting them, is aiming to reason out their main reason why they have done such crimes. Conflict theory acts like a lawyer who defends a person who has valid reasons behind the crime he committed. The lawyer may lack reliable and consistent evidence to prove the innocence of his client, but still, he believes in the accountability of the person. References Barkan, S.E. (2005). Criminology:   Sociological Understanding.   New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall   Bartos, J.O.   Wehr, P.E. and Paul Wehr. ( 2002). Using Conflict Theory. New York: Cambridge University Press Greek, C.E. Criminological Theory.   November 2005. Retrieved on 4 June 2008. http://www.criminology.fsu.edu/crimtheory/conflict.htm Lenski, G.E. (1966). Power and Privilege: A Theory of Social Stratification. McGraw-Hill.