Discuss the main criticisms of conflict theory.
What will be an ideal response?
A problem with conflict theory is that it generally fails to specify the sources of power in society. When those sources are identified, they are usually attributed to the personal characteristics of elites; that is, people with power are said to be smarter, better educated, luckier, and better able to defer gratification. Conflict theorists seem to ignore that power in society comes primarily from the ownership of private property. Another criticism of conflict theory is that it is basically reformist in its policy implications. Conflict theorists generally assume that crime, as well as other social problems, can be corrected by existing social institutions. For example, if only the agencies of criminal justice were more effective, a conflict theorist might argue, crime would be reduced greatly. Historical evidence suggests that this assumption may not be true.
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Answer the following statements true (T) or false (F)
Prison officers and prison officials often experience ethical problems because of the conflict between their obligations to rehabilitate on the one hand and punish and control on the other.
The most important concern of criminal justice agencies is on
A. Domestic and International Terror B. Crime and Offenders C. Crime Analysis and Economy D. Political and Public issues E. None of the above
In determining bail in a felony case, a judge should conduct an individual hearing to evaluate numerous factors related to the defendant that should influence the judge's bail determination, rather than follow a predetermined bail schedule in for
setting felony bail. Indicate whether the statement is true or false
The ________ has become the lead agency when it comes to white-collar crime, particularly in response to recent financial scandals
a. FBI b. CIA c. FDA d. DEA