1.
Summary
Social conflict theory uses key terms such as class conflict, ideology,
deviation, bourgeoisie, and capitalism. Early philosophy forms the basis of conflict
theory. Many
philosophers thought it was an integral part of society of conflict. Among many philosophers, Karl Marx is
called the father of conflict theory. He developed social and political
theory as a revolutionary socialist. Marx argued that
conflict began in class conflict and socio-economic aspects within the
industry. And
Max Weber saw that power and property created conflict in all aspects of
society, and Mills saw that control over social structure was determined by the
affluent.The United States has a very high economic and social inequality. Thus, competition between classes is fierce and is the center of conflict theory. And the lack of social networks makes it difficult to move among the social classes, which is one of the reasons why the social inequality index in the United States is high.
Conflict theory assumes that criminal justice in modern society is used by the upper class to dominate the lower class. Thus, it argues that social status is abused in the same way as US drug abuse.
2.
What was interesting/What
did we learn
The conflict theory argues that the
criminal justice system and criminal law represent the affluent and control the
poor. I sympathized with this conflict theory. In modern societies, the same
law entails a different sentence depending on whether he is wealthy or poor.
The wealthy are using the law advantageously with the help of professional
defenders.
3.
Discussion Point
I think that in modern society, as in conflict theory, the law is used by
the upper classes to rule out and subordinate the lower classes. Do you think
so? If so, why?
I think so, too. I think our laws are shaped in favor of the higher classes. In Korea, crimes committed by so-called higher class people, such as embezzlement and breach of trust, have low basic sentences while basic sentences such as crimes committed by lower class people, such as theft, robbery and burglary are high. In this respect, I think the upper classes are using the law to suppress the lower classes
ReplyDeleteI think so, too. In a democracy, the law comes by the people, but in fact, the upper class people are not punished for their misconduct with money. This suggests that the upper classes obey the lower classes using the law.
ReplyDelete