CRM 2301 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Advantageous, Broken Windows Theory, Neocolonialism

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Focuses on the political nature of crime/ examines the creation and application of criminal law. One fundamental assumption: societies are characterized by conflict rather than by consensus. Younger people would question the middle-class values of the united states. Criminal law was only advantageous to those in power in order to advance their own special interest. Conflict is viewed as a natural part of society. Conflict theory has many different approaches but two general forms are pluralist and critical-radical. Conflict emerges between groups attempting to exercise control over particular situations or events. Different groups will have invested in the outcome of a certain decision, they will therefore exert influence on its behalf, the group that has the most resources will have the most power and ability to influence the decision. Results in the criminalization of the actions of those outside of the power group. Richard quinney viewed crime as the product of reaction/ constructed though political power.