Functional outlook on deviance infer that, if parts of social structure such as, objective norms and resources are not properly integrated deviance occurs within a society or disorganize social structure produce circumstances which lead to occurrence of deviance. According to conflict perspective deviance is the product of competition among distinct social classes to obtain access to the scarce resources of society. Conflict theorists believe that, competition or conflict among social groups is ongoing process due to which occurrence of deviance is inevitable. Thus, social scientists should focus on competition factor in order to analyze the phenomenon of deviance. Conflict theory on deviance is based on two assumptions these include.
1. Criminal justice system is based on class interest.
2. The objective of elite class to attain access to more resources or desire of accumulating wealth lead towards deviance.
Criminal Justice System Based On Class Interest
Conflict theorists believe that, criminal justice systems of societies are structured in a fashion to protect the interest of elite classes. Criminal justice system aid elites to accumulate more wealth or to sustain their financial position within a given society. Conglomerates maximize their profit on the expense of putting workers lives in danger. Manufacturing process of many products such as, cars, garments, paint etc… could be hazardous for the health of workers and general population. For instance, when companies do not invest on safety measures and when they dump harmful waste or chemical into water and soil which may cause serious health issues or fatal injuries despite the fact, practices such as these are defined normative rather than crimes in state laws.
Moreover conflict view on deviance insinuate that, criminal justice system is focused on labeling weak and vulnerable perpetrators as criminals. More resources are spent on preventing mugging rather than on embezzlement as well as more efforts are put in arresting prostitute rather than their clients. Severe punishments are imposed on street crimes but white color criminals find a way to escape justice. Furthermore, justice system is established to protect rich class for instance, if a poor man assault a rich man he will be arrested and subjected to severe punishment however, if a rich man assault poor he will find a loophole to escape the justice system.
The Objective of Elite Class to Attain Access to More Resources or Desire of Accumulating Wealth Lead towards Deviance
Conflict theorist reject the assumptions functional theorists that poor class of society are more likely to commit crimes. In accordance to conflict outlook rich people are more likely to commit crimes because there set their objective very high which could not be attain through legitimate means. On the other hand, poor people set such goals which could be achieved via legitimate and respectable manner. Moreover, the statistic of crime among rich people is low because they are part of ruling class and have control over justice system. They are able to bend rules in their favor. Whereas, poor people do not have power and resources to even escape from minor crime and defend themselves against the alleged crime.
Written by; Khushdil Khan Kasi
