The Social Conflict Theory

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What is a theory? A theory is a set of logical interconnected propositions explain how phenomena are related and from which a number of hypothesis can be derived and tested (Anthony Walsh, 2014). Criminologist use theories to explain why people commit crime. There are many different theories use to help them figure out why people commit crime. In this essay I will be comparing two theories. The first theory I would be talking about is the Conflict Theory. The Social Conflict Theory views society as an arena of inequality that generates conflict and social change. This theory was originated by a man named Karl Marx. He is known to be the father of sociology (Moffitt). The second theory I will be talking about is the Labeling Theory. The labeling …show more content…
The two theories play into society efforts to respond to criminal behavior in terms of prevention and punishment by serving as an explanation of the cause of crime. These two theories share the idea that crime is a social construct with no intrinsic meaning (Anthony Walsh, 2014). “Criminal” behavior is normal behavior subject to criminalization and decriminalization depending on the power relationship existing between those who “do it” and those who don’t want them to (Anthony Walsh, 2014). The conflict and the labeling theory helps criminologist explain why a criminal commits a crime. Each of these theories overlaps criminology, sociology and psychology in explanation on the cause of crime (Ezell, 1969). Both of the theories tries to help criminals to stop committing crime. If an individual learns to compete for resources the legitimate way, the individual will have a lower chance of committing crimes and receiving a label. I have stated that when a person receives a label they will eventually take on that label and go out and commit more dangerous crimes. A biologist by the name of Charles Darwin came up with a phrase. The phrase that Darwin came up with is survival of the fittest. If a person strives to work hard for the things that they want, the person would have a lower chance of committing a crime, because the person already have the things they want and need. These are some similarities of the two …show more content…
The theories do apply to criminal justice because we are still trying to figure out why people commit crimes on the daily basics. The conflict theory states that people are in constant competition for scarce resources. People want to receive the things they want and need out of life. If a person can’t obtain the resources they need they will often result to crime, and they will receive a label. When an individual receives a label, they will take on the characteristics of that label and continue their career of criminal behavior. When a person is put into the system and labeled as a criminal, they will have a hard time finding a job. If the person can’t get a job they can’t provide for themselves or family and this will cause the individual to commit crime. We all know that people that live in poverty, the crime rates would be high. Children that live in poverty has a high chance of becoming criminals because they can’t afford to go to college and learn how to obtain their wants and needs the right way. Many of the youth will join a gang or start selling drugs to help them obtain their needs and wants. They have started their criminal career early and will often find themselves in trouble with the law. Criminologist studies the crimes that people commit and try to come up with a hypothesis on why the person committed the crime. When a person is labeled they come to see

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