Social Conflict Theory Criminology

Oscar Ortega
April 17, 2012
Professor: Dr. Hill (Jackson)
Westwood College

Part I- Background on Criminology. What is criminology? Criminology is the scientific approach to studying criminal behaviors. According to criminologists Edwin Sutherland and Donald Cressey they state: Criminology is the body of knowledge regarding crime as a social phenomenon. It includes within its scope the processes of making laws, if breaking laws, and reacting towards the breaking of laws…. The objective of criminology is the development of a body of general and verified principles and of other types of knowledge regarding this process of law, crime, and treatment. Sutherland and Cressey’s definition includes some of the most important
The most common theories are rational choice, trait, social process, social conflict, critical criminology, restorative justice and developmental. Rational choice theory was the view that crime is a function of a decision-making process in which the potential offender weighs the potential costs and benefits of an illegal act. The trait theory is the view that criminality is a product of abnormal biological and/or psychological traits. Social process theory is the view that criminology is a function of people’s interactions with various organizations, institutions, and processes in society. Social conflict theory is the view that crime is a function of class conflict and power relations, laws are created and enforced by those in power to protect own interests. Critical criminology theory viewed that capitalism produces haves and have-nots, each engaging in particular branch of criminology. Restorative justice theory is the view that emphasizes the promotion of a peaceful, just society through reconciliation and reintegration of the offender into society. Developmental theory was a branch of criminology that examines change in criminal career over the life course. All of these theories are different from each other by how each one is being influenced and directed to. The similarities of these theories are that they all psychologically influence the offenders to become good
The reason why it is important is because not every criminal is motivated by the same reasons, nor do we know how far their intensions go. In order to determine where these criminals get motivated to do crimes, certain criminological theories need to be followed. There are many different types of serial killers; some are sadists who gain satisfaction from torturing and killing. Another type, the psychopathic killer, is motivated by a character disorder that causes an inability to experience guilt, sorrow, or other normal human emotions; these murders are concerned solely with their own needs and passions. In order to prosecute, sentence, and get a final disposition on these types of killers, certain criminological theories need to be followed to help determine the outcome. It is very important to differentiate criminological theories in order to assess criminal behavior