SOCI 2450 Lecture 11: Lecture 11.docx
23 Apr 2012
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Document Summary
Society is based on conflict; it is what governs society. Society is made up of groups and organizations based on political and economic power. Differences in social class and in particular those arrangements within society that maintain class differences are the focus for criminological study. Powerful groups make laws that reflect and protect their interests. Crime is an outcome of conflict between the haves and have not"s. Radical criminology: based on marxist principles about inequality between classes. Richard quinny social reality of crime: powerful groups in society create the laws and they enforce the laws. Connection between power, groups that maintain power and laws that are passed. America is based on advanced capital economy and the state is organized to serve the dominant classes (economic and political) Criminal law is an instrument of those powerful groups to ensure compliance. Crime control is accomplished through a variety of organizations and agencies that are there to ensure the status quo is maintained.
