Chapter 8 Social Conflict Theories: Critical Criminology and Restorative Justice

Social Conflict Theory Figure 8.1 The Branches of Social Conflict Theory

Conflict: Good or Bad? Bad when leads to destruction such as????? Good when leads to positive social change?????

Marxist Thought Productive Forces and Productive Relations Communist Manifesto focused attention on economic conditions of a capitalist system Productive forces: Include technology, energy sources, and material resources Productive relations: Exist among people producing goods and services

Marxist Thought Productive Forces and Productive Relations Bourgeoisie  capitalists Proletariat  working labor Lumpen proletariat  poor Class denotes a position in relation to others

Marxist Thought Surplus Value Laboring class produce goods that exceed wages in value Excess value goes into the hands of capitalists Marx suggested workers would emerge into a socialist state and own the means of production

Marxist Thought Figure 8.3 Surplus Value

Developing a Conflict Based Theory of Crime The Contribution of Bonger Upper class will commit if: They sense an opportunity of make financial gain Their lack of moral sense enables them to violate social rules Crime and poverty are associated with unequal distribution of wealth

Developing a Conflict Based Theory of Crime The Contribution of Vold Adapted conflict theory to criminology Laws are created by politically oriented groups Laws will be created to hamper and curb the interests of some opposition group Criminal acts are a consequence of forces struggling to control society (conflict)

Social Conflict Theory Conflict theory tries to explain crime within economic & social contexts and to express connections between social class, crime, and social control Relationship to crime began in the 1960s Chambliss & Seidman suggests the justice system protects the rich and powerful

Critical Criminology Origins of Critical Conflict Theory In 1980s left realism emerged which influenced peacemaking criminology Critical conflict criminologists are concerned with the recent conservative agendas of cutting social programs and increased military spending

Critical Criminology Fundamentals of Critical Criminology Crime is a function of the capitalist mode of production The poor (proletariat) engage in street crimes, whereas the wealthy (bourgeoisie) are involved in acts not defined as crimes (racism, sexism, profiteering) The rich are insulated from street crimes The poor are controlled through incarceration, whereas the middle class is diverted from caring by the upper classes creating a public fear of the lower classes

Critical Criminology Globalization Criminals are products of society and economic systems Critical criminologists are wary of globalization and capitalization trends

Critical Criminology Research on Critical Criminology Marxists suggest that traditional research is designed to unmask the weak and powerless Critical research tends to be historical and analytical, not qualitative and empirical Research involves both macro- and micro-level issues

Contemporary Forms of Social Conflict Theory Left Realism Lea & Young  The poor are doubly abused by capitalists and by members of their own class Relative Deprivation equals discontent  discontent plus lack of political solution  crime Taylor  The world is currently in the midst of multiple crisis Job creation, social inequality, social fear, political incompetence and failure, gender conflict, and family and parenting issues

Contemporary Forms of Social Conflict Theory Critical Feminist Theory Critical feminists view gender inequality as stemming from the unequal power of men and women in a capitalist society Patriarchal (male dominated) systems devalue the work of women The exploitation of women produces far more surplus value for capitalists than it does for men

Contemporary Forms of Social Conflict Theory Patriarchy and Crime Critical feminists link criminal behavior patterns to gender conflict created by economic and social struggles Double marginality explains why women commit less crime than men Crime is the vehicle for men to “do gender”

Contemporary Forms of Social Conflict Theory Exploitation and Criminality Sexual victimization of females is a function of male socialization Exploitation triggers the onset of female delinquency such as running away to avoid abuse Some critics charge feminist scholars have ignored the interests of women of color and lesbians

Contemporary Forms of Social Conflict Theory Power Control Theory Hagen  Crime and delinquency are a function of 1) class position 2) family functions Fathers assume the role of breadwinners, while mothers have menial jobs and are expected to control the behavior of daughters Dissatisfied girls seek “role exit behaviors” Examples  running away or suicide In “egalitarian families” both the husband and wife share similar positions of power

Contemporary Forms of Social Conflict Theory Postmodern Theory Semiotics refers to the use of language elements as signs or symbols beyond literal meaning Deconstructionists analyze communication and language in legal codes to determine whether they contribute to institutionalized racism or sexism Postmodernists contend value-laden language can promote inequalities

Contemporary Forms of Social Conflict Theory Peacemaking Criminology Main purpose of criminology is to promote a peaceful society Draws inspiration from religious and philosophical teachings Punishment encourages criminality rather than deterring it (Tifft & Sullivan) Try to find humanist solutions (mediation and conflict resolution) to crime and other social problems

Public Policy Implications of Social Conflict Theory The Concept of Restorative Justice Contends that society needs to hold offenders accountable to put right their harms Crime is an offense against human relationships Victims and the community are central to justice processes The first priority is to restore the community The offender has a personal responsibility to victims and to the community for crimes committed The offender will develop improved competency and understanding as a result of the restorative experience

Public Policy Implications of Social Conflict Theory Developing Restoration The offender is asked to recognize and accept responsibility of their criminal actions Commitment to material restitution and symbolic reparation (apology) Determination of community support an assistance for both the victim and offender The intended result is to repair injuries suffered by the victim and the community while reintegrating the offender

Public Policy Implications of Social Conflict Theory The Challenge of Restorative Justice Advocates warn of the uneven exercise of state power What is considered “restorative” in one subculture may be considered insulting or damaging in another Balancing the needs of offenders with those of the victims