Conflict Theory And Crime Research Paper

In today’s society there are two types of groups that often contribute to various crimes. In- groups are often those who commit the crimes, while the out-group is more of the ones who will go against what people around them are doing.

In-groups are often considered to be those that dress and act like major celebrities, musicians and athletes. For example, the younger generation tends to dress more proactively in order to be like many major celebrities’ such as Kim Kardashian or Miley Cyrus. Those who are an apart of this generation also tend to want to imitate the actions of those that inspire them to dress a certain way. Such as if one celebrity were to smoke, drink or do certain drugs, people may begin to think that such behavior is acceptable

(Sociology 2e,. OpenStax) “A conflict theorist would note that those in society who hold the power are also the ones who make the laws concerning crime. In doing so, they make laws that will benefit them, while the powerless classes who lack the resources to make such decisions suffer the consequences.” For example, politicians who commit crimes are often looked past or ignored in their actions. While those who are of a lower economic standard may commit the same crimes and be penalized for it. Such as drug charges, association with prostitution, and driving while intoxicated. Conflict theory is beneficial in how it shows why deviance affects society but unlike functionalism it does not view these aspects as a positive role but as a negative one. Conflict theory shows how deviance affects society in a negative

In symbolic interaction deviant behavior or actions are not perceived by a certain individual but by those around them and their reaction to the behaviors. Labeling theory is a type of symbolic interactionism. In this theory there are two types of deviant behaviors.

Primary deviance is when infractions of the socially acceptable behaviors and rules are made but do not have long term effects on the society. Examples of primary deviance would be blowing through a red light or picking your nose in public. While these actions do not have a long lasting effect on the society or the people around the person who committed the behavior, it is often looked down upon and in some cases such as speeding punishable by receiving a traffic violation.

Secondary deviance is when someone’s behavior or self-confidence changes after their actions have been pointed out by other members of society as deviant. A person who continues to commit these actions can build a reputation with their peers. For example, a man who commits several acts of burglary after being arrested each time will be labeled as a “law-breaker” and is often the one law enforcement will turn to first when seeking out a suspect for the crimes