Conflict Theory and Deviance Lesson 7-4

Introduction Conflict theory looks at deviance in terms of social inequality and social power.

Race, Ethnicity, and Crime Conflict theory supports the idea that minorities receive unequal treatment in the American justice system African Americans and Latinos more likely to be convicted Also serve more time

Why are minorities and whites treated so differently? Minorities generally do not have the economic resources to buy good legal services. Crimes against whites tend to be punished more severely than crimes against minorities. Society sees minority interests as less important than interests of whites.

Why are minorities and whites treated so differently? Victim discounting- process of reducing the seriousness of the crimes that injure people of lower status.

White Collar Crime White collar crime- any crime committed by respectable and high-status people in the course of their occupations. It is used for economic crimes like: Price fixing Insider trading Illegal rebates Embezzlement Tax evasion

What are the Costs of White Collar Crime? The costs of white-collar crime are 18 times higher than the costs of street crime.

Punishment of White Collar Crime They are usually treated more leniently even though it costs society a lot of money Usually receive probation and less likely to be imprisoned Shorter sentence if they do go to prison Go to prisons with better amenities