Conflict Theory Conflict Theory Economic system produces problem

Conflict Theory

Conflict Theory � Economic system produces “problem populations” � Marx: MP RP “superstructure” ◦ Family, religion, education, the state �Law ◦ Reproduce & Legitimate � “Contradictions” ◦ Reduce labor cost ◦ Labor also consumer

Conflict Theory, 2 � Who ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ is deviant? Threats to economic system State involvement Size and threat of group Degree of organization of group Can traditional "reproduction" help? Alternatives available Other/additional uses

Conflict Theory, 3 � Steven Spitzer ◦ Two problem populations �Social “junk” �Social “dynamite” ◦ Two means of control �Administrative �Criminal/Legal

“Problem Populations” & Control n. Not Troublesome, Not Needed (Social “Junk”) n. Troublesome, Not Needed (“Social Dynamite”) n. Do not, will not, cannot contribute n. Excluded from system n. Poor, elderly, impaired n. Expensive, harmless n. Administrative Control n. Unemployed, young, laid off n. Expensive, dangerous n. Legal Control

Fiscal Crisis of the State � Alternatives ◦ ◦ ◦ to state control Do nothing Conversion Geographical segregation Unofficial tolerance of organized crime Privatization

Evaluating Conflict Theory � Problems ◦ Overstates class conflict ◦ Conspiracy mentality � Strengths ◦ Expands range of considerations ◦ Forces debate

Evaluating Conflict Theory � Important Considerations ◦ Cause and Nature of Deviance: economic system �vs. "deviants" � Social control (like labeling) is a problem ◦ Solution = change economic system