1. Conflict Theory and Deviance Unit Four Lesson Four Student Edition

2. What did I learn today? The conflict perspective looks at deviance in terms of social inequality and power. The most powerful members of a society determine who will be regarded as deviant. Conflict theorists point to some disproportional statistical relationships between minorities and crime.

3. Just a little reminder… Conflict Theory – a sociological approach that emphasizes the role or conflict, competition, and constraint within a society Assumptions Society is in a constant state of change Society requires that some members are

4. Deviance and Industrial Society: There are ways to defend yourself against deviance. Steven Spitzer suggest that there are five ways to defend yourself against deviant behavior.

5. #1- Critics of industrial societies are considered Culture must defend itself against these criticisms. 2 – Society must have a willing workforce. Those who are not willing to work are considered deviant. Ex: Homeless #3 –

6. #4 – – Non violent protest and those who disrespect authority are considered deviant #5 – Certain activities are encouraged depending on how they fit in with an industrial society

7. Race, Ethnicity and Crime: Conflict theorist believe minorities are treated unfairly in the judicial system

8. Ex: If both an African American and white man went up on robbery charges the African American is twice as likely to be convicted. African Americans make up 13% of prison population African Americans make up 43% of death row inmates ½ of all homicide victims are African American

9. Why are minorities treated so differently? Many minorities cannot afford to buy good legal help Crimes committed against whites are convicted at a higher rate and given more harsh punishments Sociologist argue that minority interest are seen as less important in society – process of reducing the seriousness of crimes that injure people of lower status

10. White Collar Crime: White Collar Crime – Examples: price fixing, gouging and embezzlement There is now way for us to know the true cost of white collar crime

11. So what is lost… $40 billion a year is lost in securities and commodities Examples of securities and commodities: oil and corn $10 billion in cheque fraud $100 billion in health care fraud

12. Punishment for White Collar Crimes: – often go to jails that have numerous amenities, like tennis courts Less likely to go to jail Prisons are more like resorts