7.4

Conflict Theory & Deviance Deviance is seen as a threat to those in power Deviance undermines control Defense against deviance Anyone who criticizes society are labeled as deviants – they question those in control The unemployed are deviants – a healthy society has a willing workforce Vandals are deviant – property of the rich is destroyed Those that are disrespectful are deviant – respect indicates power and authority Certain activities are encouraged (sports) – these activities promote societal values

Crime and Race Minorities are treated more harshly than Whites 12% of total population is black; 43% of prison population is black 50% of homicide victims are Black; majority of death row prisoners murdered a Caucasian Harsher punishments pursued when victim is White

Crime and Race Why are minorities treated differently? Cannot afford adequate legal representation Victim discounting The interests of minorities and the lower class are not as important than that of the rich and powerful Minorities are not as “valuable” as Caucasians, so a crime against a minority is not as serious, so the punishment is less severe

White Collar Crime Job-related crimes committed by people with a high status Happens in the business and political worlds Can place lives of workers at risk Costs millions of dollars Punished leniently (compared to street crime) Examples: Pension fraud Embezzlement Political bribery