What are the differences among the consensus, pluralistic, and conflict perspectives? Which comes closest to your way of understanding society? Why?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The consensus perspective is based on the existence of a shared view of right and wrong and the idea that the law reflects the collective will of the people and applies to all people equally. Social order is the result of this consensus. It also holds that those who violate the law differ from non-offenders in some way that makes them unable to participate in the shared agreement on values and behavior.

The pluralist perspective disagrees with the assumption of a shared consensus, arguing that consensus is hard to find and society is full of conflicting values and ideals. This perspective sees society as made up of a great diversity of social groups, each with its own view of right and wrong. However, this perspective also assumes that most people agree on the usefulness of the law, and sees the law as value-neutral and the legal system as concerned with the best interests of society. Social order is seen as the result of a process of dispute resolution.

The conflict perspective agrees that society is made up of diverse social groups with different views of right and wrong and different moral standards. However, this perspective sees conflict as a fundamental and unresolvable aspect of social life. It views the law as a tool of the powerful, rather than being value-neutral, and sees social order as based on the exercise of power through law.

Answers will vary.