Social Conflict Theories

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Social Conflict Theories
In the study of theories of criminology that emphasizes the role of social conflict as it underlies criminality and of social change is critical for the understanding of the interplay between social order and law. The conflict perspective, the pluralist perspective, and the consensus perspective are three analytical perspectives that shed light on this subject. Another type of social conflict theory is radical criminology that comes with its own tenants and shortcomings. Peacemaking criminology, left-realist criminology, convict criminology, postmodern criminology, and feminist criminology, are emerging social conflict theories that where associated with the radical ideas of mid-twentieth Marxist criminology.
One type of analytical perspective is the conflict perspective which is the belief that conflict is fundamental and social life and cannot ever be resolved completely. Where laws are tools used by the powerful to keep others and check and keep themselves in power. Law enforcements of social control simply keep those who are not powerful in check with the laws established by those in power. The pluralist perspective believes that within a complex society every different social group will have their own set beliefs, values, and interests. Despite these differences most groups will agree that laws are beneficial. For this perspective laws are a peacekeeping tool for officials to settle disputes amongst society. It is assumed that all parties will agree with the settlement as it agrees with society’s views that law is a fundamental part of settling disputes. Another perspective is the consensus perspective, in which most of society agrees on what is wrong and right and various elements of society work...

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...convict criminology, and postmodern criminology are emerging social conflict theories that all have different views. Radical criminology is another social conflict theory that sees society where the poor are neglected, the wealthy are in control, and politics thrives are the main reasons for crime. Consensus perspective, conflict perspective, and pluralist perspective are three analytical perspectives that have their own views on laws and society.

Works Cited

"Conflict Theory." About.com Sociology. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014. .

"Conflict Theory." Conflict Theory. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2014. .

"Left Realism and Crime." Left Realism and Crime. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2014. .

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