How do conservatives, liberals, and people on the radical left differ in constructing the problem of crime? How do they differ in defining solutions to the crime problem? What can we learn from each point of view that might make our society safer and more just?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

- Conservative view: The moral order of society is breaking down-decline of the two-parent family, weakening religious values, children not being taught to behave responsibly. The way to reduce crime and violence is to strengthen families and increase the culture's emphasis on good parenting; tougher law enforcement is also necessary when crime has occurred.
- Liberal view: A lack of jobs is the major factor that forces people to break the law. Government needs to use resources to expand economic opportunities in poor urban and rural areas where people are in desperate need of work.
- Radical-left view: Economic inequality of a capitalist society promotes criminal activity by the underclass; the criminal justice system is used to maintain order and protect the interests of capitalist elites. The real violence in our society is the oppression of capitalism. Therefore, the capitalist economy should be eliminated in favor of a more equitable system.