SOC 101LEC Lecture Notes - Lecture 21: Differential Association, Symbolic Interactionism
29 Jun 2019
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Document Summary
This theory holds that different social classes embark on different forms of deviance depending on their different opportunity structures. Forms of deviance are an outcome of individual decisions and the available opportunities to act illegitimately. Mainstream society socializes people into wanting material possessions while, at the same time, providing unequal structures to achieve them, The most common route to success--education--is not amply available to the poor. The conflict perspective on deviance and social control. Conflict theorists note that power plays a central role in defining and punishing deviance as the group in power uses the law and criminal justice system to maintain its power and privilege over other groups. Conflict theorists contend that the law may work as an instrument of oppression, a tool, designed to keep the powerful in privileged positions. Elite deviance refers to the wrongdoing of wealthy and powerful individuals and organizations. White collar crime--wealthy elite will always exploit the poor and working class.
