Critical Theories Of Criminology - 903 Words

Introduction In this paper, I will discuss conflict criminology, radical criminology, peacemaking criminology, and postmodern criminology providing a comparison as well as a contrast to each. Discussion There are several theories developing critical theories of criminology, the first discussed in this paper will be conflict theory (Bohm Vogel, 2011). The conflict theory is the inequality of competing groups, moreover, the different social statuses of individuals. This theory compares the differences in white collar crime to the crime of the blue collar class. White collar crime is mostly money-related crimes, including embezzlement, committed by the economically elite, conversely, blue collar crime is considered more violent as well†¦show more content†¦The structure of this societal hierarchy places a few individuals in the higher ranks of society with the majority within the lower ranks, the proverbial winners as compared to the losers. This theory bases crime upon the various class struggles to obtain wealth within an unequal economic environment. The lower class struggles to obtain the same level of material wealth held by those of the higher classes creating an extrem ely competitive environment leading to individuals taking advantage of the weaker members of society to further their own level of wealth. The radical theory defines crime as the deprivation of basic human rights, as individuals compete for a portion of societal wealth in an unequally distributed market they become overly competitive with one another leading to what is described as senseless violence. The third theory discussed in this paper is the peacemaking criminology, this theory is a non-violent approach to change society through the transformations beginning at the individual level (Bohm Vogel, 2011). The theorist of peacemaking view suffering as the cause of crime, expressing the need for a change within society to become for aware of the needs of those less fortunate, moreover, working together to resolve those issues. This theory views the acts of punishing individuals for crimes committed as the source for continued criminal acts. A shift fromShow MoreRelatedFuture of Criminology1590 Words   |  7 PagesThe future of Criminology etc. Criminology is, as John Lea (1998) points out, not so much a discipline as a field, its distinctiveness is not its knowledge base but the form of its focus: theories of crime, criminal law and the relation between the two - in this it is a sub-category of the sociology of deviance. It can, and never should be, conceived of as a separate discipline, its categories and processes are social constructs, they have no separate ontological reality. It cannot, thereforeRead MoreTheory Of Peacemaking Criminology1732 Words   |  7 Pageswhich emerged within the criminology discipline in the late 20th century. As this segment progress, the readers will become acquainted with the historical background of peacemaking, proponents of the theory, and explanations as to what is peacemaking, expanding on restorative justice, a form of peacemaking criminology and finally conclude this section with critiques and discussion on peacemaking criminology as discussed during the class presentation. Peacemak ing criminology grew out of the conflictRead MoreSocial Conflict Theory1130 Words   |  5 Pages(mugging and other street crime, violence, burglary, and, as many critical criminologists would contend, predominantly the crimes of the poor) can be questioned. Critical criminology is a theoretical perspective in criminology which takes a conflict perspective, such as marxism, feminism, political economy theory or critical theory. 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