Conflict Theory - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Conflict Theory, a perspective that views society as composed of different groups and interests competing for power and resources, offers a compelling lens through which to examine crime. While often misunderstood as simply blaming societal disparities for criminal behavior, it's a much more nuanced exploration of how laws and the criminal justice system reflect and perpetuate existing inequalities. Legal codes aren't neutral; they are, according to this theory, tools wielded to maintain the dominance of certain groups over others.
Although elements of conflict thinking can be traced back to antiquity, a recognizable articulation emerges with Karl Marx in the mid-19th century. His writings, particularly "Das Kapital" (1867), describe a fundamental conflict between the bourgeoisie (owners of capital) and the proletariat (working class). While Marx did not explicitly formulate a theory of criminology, his analysis of class struggle and economic exploitation laid the groundwork. The industrial revolution, with its stark divides in wealth and power, provided a fertile ground for observing the inherent tensions that Marx described.
The 20th century saw an evolution of this perspective, with scholars like Ralf Dahrendorf and later criminologists like William Chambliss and Richard Quinney, developing more direct applications to the study of crime. These thinkers proposed that criminal definitions and enforcement practices are shaped by those in positions of power to suppress threats to their authority and to maintain the status quo. For example, laws against theft might be more rigorously enforced against the poor, while corporate crimes committed by the wealthy are often treated leniently. How do societal perceptions of “law and order” subtly reinforce existing power structures, even when these structures contribute to the very conditions that foster crime?
Conflict Theory continues to inform critical perspectives on crime in the 21st century, influencing discussions about systemic racism, mass incarceration, and the criminalization of poverty. It’s a theory that challenges us to look beyond individual pathology and consider the structural forces that shape both criminal behavior and the response to it. Is our pursuit of justice truly blind, or does it reflect a deeper societal struggle for power and control, a struggle that continues to this day?