Conflict Perspective on Crime: Causes and Consequences

Question 1

In the conflict perspective of sociology, what is identified as a primary cause of crime?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Biological factors

Answer

Psychological disorders

Answer

Lack of education and employment opportunities

Question 2

In the Conflict Perspective, what is considered a major factor in causing crime and deviance?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality and class conflict

Answer

Social disorganization and lack of norms

Answer

Individual mental health issues

Answer

Cultural differences and group norms

Question 3

The Conflict Perspective in sociology views crime as primarily caused by:

Accepted Answer

Social inequality and group conflict

Answer

Biological factors

Answer

Individual choice

Answer

Social disorganization

Question 4

According to the Conflict Perspective, what is a key factor that contributes to crime in society?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality and conflict between different societal groups

Answer

Biological and psychological factors within individuals

Answer

Lack of moral values and religious beliefs in society

Answer

Inadequate law enforcement and criminal justice measures

Question 5

According to the Conflict Perspective, what is the primary cause of crime?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality and group conflict.

Answer

Moral shortcomings of individuals.

Answer

Biological predispositions.

Question 6

Who, according to conflict theorists, has the greatest power to define criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

The ruling class or elite.

Answer

Law enforcement agencies.

Answer

The media.

Answer

Academic institutions.

Question 7

From a conflict perspective, what is the primary purpose of the criminal justice system?

Accepted Answer

To maintain the power structure and control marginalized groups.

Answer

To safeguard individual rights and liberties.

Answer

To promote social justice and equality.

Question 8

According to conflict theorists, the labeling process can lead to:

Accepted Answer

Self-fulfilling prophecy, leading to increased deviance.

Answer

No substantial influence on people's behavior.

Answer

Always positive outcomes for labeled individuals.

Question 9

Which assumption underpins the Marxist Conflict Perspective?

Accepted Answer

Capitalism creates inherent conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.

Answer

Crime results from individual moral decay.

Answer

Social norms arise through consensus.

Question 10

A major criticism of the Conflict Perspective is that:

Accepted Answer

It overemphasizes conflict and neglects other crime-contributing factors.

Answer

It provides a comprehensive and accurate explanation for all types of crime.

Answer

It is supported by a large body of empirical evidence.

Question 11

What potential benefit does the Conflict Perspective offer?

Accepted Answer

Understanding the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to crime.

Answer

It provides a simple and comprehensive explanation for all criminal behavior.

Answer

It is the only perspective that acknowledges the importance of power dynamics.

Question 12

According to the Conflict Perspective, crime statistics:

Accepted Answer

Are frequently biased and reflect society's power dynamics.

Answer

Are consistently accurate and trustworthy.

Answer

Are only useful for understanding major crimes.

Question 13

Revised: Which of the following is a core principle of the Conflict Perspective on crime?

Accepted Answer

Crime arises from social inequality and conflicts between different groups.

Answer

Crime is a calculated decision made by rational individuals.

Answer

Crime stems from individual psychological problems.

Question 14

Revised: According to the Conflict Perspective, how do power relations influence criminalization processes?

Accepted Answer

Powerful groups define behaviors that align with their interests as criminal.

Answer

All behaviors violating social norms are equally prohibited.

Answer

Criminalization randomly targets vulnerable individuals.

Question 15

Revised: Which of the following groups is more likely to be subject to the Conflict Perspective's 'criminalization' concept?

Accepted Answer

Marginalized communities with lower socioeconomic status and minority backgrounds

Answer

Professionals belonging to the middle class

Answer

Individuals from elite and upper-class backgrounds

Answer

Elected government officials

Question 16

Revised: How does the Conflict Perspective view societal consensus on crime?

Accepted Answer

Consensus is an illusion perpetuated by dominant groups to maintain power.

Answer

Consensus exists, although it undergoes constant negotiation and redefinition.

Answer

Consensus is the cornerstone of all laws and social norms.

Question 17

Revised: The Conflict Perspective centers on the role of:

Accepted Answer

Power, conflict, and inequality in shaping crime and deviance.

Answer

Biological and psychological factors in shaping crime and deviance.

Answer

Economic circumstances and social disparities in shaping crime and deviance.

Answer

Socialization and learning experiences in shaping crime and deviance.

Question 18

Revised: According to the Conflict Perspective, the definition of crime is influenced by:

Accepted Answer

The interests and power dynamics of dominant groups.

Answer

The level of public outcry and indignation.

Answer

The severity of the harm caused by an action.

Answer

The consensus of society as a whole.

Question 19

Revised: Which of the following exemplifies a form of social conflict highlighted by the Conflict Perspective?

Accepted Answer

Clashes between law enforcement and protesters advocating for social change.

Answer

Conflicts between educators and students in an academic setting.

Answer

Minor disagreements between siblings over material possessions.

Answer

Marital disputes between spouses.

Question 20

Revised: The Conflict Perspective views the criminal justice system as a tool for:

Accepted Answer

Enforcing social control and maintaining existing power structures.

Answer

Rehabilitating and reforming offenders.

Answer

Protecting individual rights and liberties.

Question 21

Revised: Which sociologist is most closely associated with the development of the Conflict Perspective?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Talcott Parsons

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Answer

Max Weber

Question 22

Identify a fundamental principle of the Conflict Perspective on crime.

Accepted Answer

Crime is a direct result of social inequalities and existing power imbalances.

Answer

Crime is an innate human behavior.

Answer

Crime is a consequence of a lack of moral values.

Answer

Crime stems primarily from psychological disorders.

Question 23

According to the Conflict Perspective, which group is more likely to be labeled as deviant or criminal?

Accepted Answer

Individuals belonging to marginalized and disadvantaged communities.

Answer

Individuals who adhere to societal norms.

Answer

Individuals with high socioeconomic status.

Answer

Individuals who commit heinous crimes.

Question 24

Within the Conflict Perspective, which mechanism of social control is highlighted as central?

Accepted Answer

Policing and the criminal justice system.

Answer

Family structures and peer influence.

Answer

Religious institutions and moral teachings.

Answer

Educational institutions and cultural norms.

Question 25

The Conflict Perspective emphasizes the significant role of power dynamics in shaping crime and deviance. Which example best illustrates this influence?

Accepted Answer

The disproportionate representation of racial minorities in the prison population.

Answer

The high prevalence of crime in low-income neighborhoods.

Answer

The victimization of women in society.

Question 26

Which prominent theorist is most closely associated with the development of the Conflict Perspective?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx.

Answer

Talcott Parsons.

Answer

Emile Durkheim.

Answer

Max Weber.

Question 27

The Conflict Perspective posits that crime can be utilized by the ruling class to maintain their dominance. What is this concept known as?

Accepted Answer

Criminalization by the elite.

Answer

Secondary victimization.

Answer

Symbolic interactionism.

Question 28

Which outcome is NOT a consequence of social inequality as highlighted by the Conflict Perspective?

Accepted Answer

Increased social harmony and cohesion.

Answer

Disproportionate representation of marginalized groups in the criminal justice system.

Answer

Elevated crime rates.

Answer

Heightened social conflict and division.

Question 29

The Conflict Perspective emphasizes the role of conflict in society. Which of the following is an example of the type of conflict highlighted by this perspective?

Accepted Answer

The struggle between workers and employers over wages and working conditions.

Answer

The dispute between neighbors over a boundary line.

Answer

The competition between individuals for resources.

Question 30

Which of the following is a fundamental concept in the Conflict Perspective on crime?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Social order

Question 31

According to Conflict theory, individuals most likely to be labeled as criminals are:

Accepted Answer

Members of marginalized groups

Answer

Individuals who adhere to societal norms

Answer

Individuals with high social status

Answer

Individuals with mental health conditions

Question 32

According to the Conflict Perspective, the primary function of criminal law is to:

Accepted Answer

Protect the interests of the wealthy and powerful

Answer

Promote social justice

Answer

Maintain social order

Question 33

Which of the following exemplifies the application of the Conflict Perspective to hate crimes?

Accepted Answer

Examining power imbalances between majority and minority groups

Answer

Studying the influence of media in promoting hate speech

Answer

Analyzing the psychological profiles of hate crime perpetrators

Question 34

Contemporary Conflict theorists contend that the Conflict Perspective requires updating to accommodate:

Accepted Answer

Globalization and technological advancements

Answer

Falling crime rates

Answer

The rise of the middle class

Answer

Increased social mobility

Question 35

A key distinction between the Conflict and Functionalist Perspectives on crime is that:

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory views crime as a result of social inequality, whereas Functionalist theory sees it as necessary for societal stability.

Answer

Conflict theory focuses on individual behavior, while Functionalist theory emphasizes social structures.

Question 36

Which of the following is a central principle of the Conflict Perspective on crime?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality is a root cause of crime.

Answer

Biological factors are the primary determinants of criminal behavior.

Answer

Environmental factors play a negligible role in the development of crime.

Answer

Crime is a result of individual moral failures.

Question 37

According to the Conflict Perspective, who benefits the most from the criminalization of certain behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Powerful groups in society with the ability to influence laws and policies.

Answer

Victims of crime, who receive protection and support from the criminal justice system.

Answer

Only the poor and marginalized, who are disproportionately targeted by criminal laws.

Answer

All members of society equally, regardless of their social status.

Question 38

Which of the following is a specific example of a social control mechanism used by the ruling class to maintain their power, as described by the Conflict Perspective?

Accepted Answer

Capital punishment, which is disproportionately applied to marginalized and minority groups.

Answer

Welfare programs, which provide support and assistance to those in need.

Answer

Education, which is accessible to all citizens regardless of their social class.

Answer

Healthcare, which is provided universally to ensure the well-being of all citizens.

Question 39

How does the Conflict Perspective explain the disproportionate representation of racial and ethnic minorities in the criminal justice system?

Accepted Answer

As a result of systemic racism and discrimination that permeates institutions such as policing and the courts.

Answer

Because of cultural factors that encourage criminal behavior within certain communities.

Answer

Due to genetic predispositions that make certain groups more likely to engage in criminal behavior.

Question 40

Which of the following is a valid criticism of the Conflict Perspective?

Accepted Answer

It tends to oversimplify the causes of crime, attributing them solely to social inequality.

Answer

It provides practical and effective solutions to the problem of crime.

Answer

It is the most widely accepted theory of crime among criminologists.

Answer

It is supported by a wealth of empirical evidence.

Question 41

According to the Conflict Perspective, what is the primary role of the police in society?

Accepted Answer

To enforce laws and maintain order in a manner that benefits the interests of the powerful.

Answer

To protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their social status.

Answer

To serve as a neutral force in society, impartially enforcing the law.

Answer

To advocate for the needs of the poor and marginalized.

Question 42

Which of the following is an example of a structural conflict that can contribute to crime, according to the Conflict Perspective?

Accepted Answer

Economic disparities that create vast differences in wealth and opportunity between different groups in society.

Answer

Psychological conflicts that arise from individual experiences and mental health issues.

Answer

Interpersonal conflicts that involve disputes and disagreements between individuals.

Answer

Family conflicts that stem from relationship problems and domestic violence.

Question 43

How does the Conflict Perspective define and view the concept of deviance?

Accepted Answer

As behaviors that are labeled as unacceptable or deviant by those in power, often to maintain social control.

Answer

As a natural and inevitable part of human nature.

Answer

As actions that violate universal moral principles and ethical standards.

Question 44

Which renowned philosopher and economist is considered a key figure in the development of the Conflict Perspective on crime?

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx

Answer

Emile Durkheim

Answer

Max Weber

Question 45

In what way can the Conflict Perspective contribute to real-world crime prevention strategies?

Accepted Answer

By emphasizing the need to address social inequalities and power imbalances that contribute to crime.

Answer

By increasing the number of police officers on the streets.

Answer

By providing rehabilitation programs for individual offenders.

Question 46

What is a core idea of the Conflict Perspective on crime?

Accepted Answer

Social inequality drives criminal behavior and the criminal justice system.

Answer

Psychological factors are the main cause of crime.

Answer

Criminal behavior is primarily determined by biological factors.

Answer

Environmental factors are the primary cause of crime.

Question 47

According to the Conflict Perspective, who benefits most from the current criminal justice system?

Accepted Answer

The wealthy and powerful elite.

Answer

Minority groups.

Answer

The lower socioeconomic classes.

Answer

Women.

Question 48

How does the Conflict Perspective explain the overrepresentation of minority groups in prisons?

Accepted Answer

It's due to biased criminalization processes and unequal access to justice for minorities.

Answer

It's because of innate biological differences in criminal behavior.

Answer

Minorities are more likely to live in high-crime areas.

Question 49

What is the primary purpose of punishment according to the Conflict Perspective?

Accepted Answer

To maintain social order and control marginalized groups.

Answer

To deter criminal behavior and prevent future offenses.

Answer

To rehabilitate offenders and help them reintegrate into society.

Question 50

Which of these is an example of labeling theory within the Conflict Perspective?

Accepted Answer

Certain behaviors are labeled as criminal because they are associated with marginalized groups.

Answer

Using past arrest records to predict future criminal behavior.

Answer

Stigmatizing individuals who have been convicted of crimes.

Question 51

What's the main difference between the Conflict Perspective and the Functionalist Perspective on crime?

Accepted Answer

The Conflict Perspective focuses on social inequality and conflict, while the Functionalist Perspective emphasizes social harmony and consensus.

Answer

The Conflict Perspective sees crime as a product of individual pathology, while the Functionalist Perspective sees it as a product of social structure.

Question 52

What prediction does the Conflict Perspective make about future crime rates?

Accepted Answer

Crime rates will likely increase as long as social inequality persists.

Answer

Crime rates will decrease as technology advances.

Answer

Crime will become more random and unpredictable.

Question 53

How can the Conflict Perspective help shape criminal justice policy?

Accepted Answer

By highlighting the need to address the root causes of crime and reduce social inequality.

Answer

By increasing the severity of punishments for criminals.

Answer

By focusing on rehabilitation programs for offenders.