Conflict theory of deviance
Understanding conflict theory of deviance firstly requires one to understand the very definitions
of the terms involved. Deviance according to Becker (1966 as cited in Lugosi, 2019) is the
diversion of any aspect or behavior from the accepted cultural norms of the society. This according
to Warren (2005) can be a result of a conscious denial of the norms through one’s own will or
through ignorance and neglect. Although deviance is an act of defying social, traditional or ethical
norms, it is not necessarily illegal. This is a reason why deviance can be challenging to a society’s
values but escape punishment (Lugosi, 2019). The theory of deviance can be explained by through
the conflict theory. The conflict theory in its own right explains that a society in general comprises
of groups that struggle to attain the finite resources available in the society. This struggle for power
and resources between the groups usually emerges between two classes according to the theory
which are the high-class elites and the low-class workers (Hayes, 2020).
The conflict theory stresses on the point that most conflicts within the society is created due to the
power struggle of the rich class and the poor, working class. According to the theory, the rich;
ruling class try to use their power and resources to remain rich while trying to oppress the working
class so they remain poor. The theory maintains that its social and political order is balanced
through power and domination over harmony (Hayes, 2020). Karl Marx who is believed to be the
founder of the conflict theory believed that the society was divided into two parts: the bourgeoisie
who are a minor group possessing majority of the wealth and power within the society and the
proletariat who are the majority working class people (Coser et al., 2006). The conflict theory
explains that deviant actions are behaviors that don’t go in-line with accepted social institute
behaviors. Institutions therefore, control what is deviant and what is not. Since these institutions
are mostly controlled by the rich and since they support the rich, the poor can be ignored of rights
creating conflict within the society (Bystrova & Gottschalk, 2015). A member of the rich and elite
class may not be subjected to harsh punishments that the poor or lower-class members may have
to endure for same mistakes.
The conflict theory explains that conflict inevitably exist between different classes of society and
are not temporary as functionalists claim. Karl Marx who was the founder of the conflict theory
suggested that there were two existing classes in society. He believed that each class acted of its
own interest which created conflict within the society. With the rise of capitalism, the elite would
use their power and might to oppress the poor (Coser et al., 2006). The conflict theory prevails as
the rich want to stay rich and powerful by oppressing the poor working class. For example, a
factory owner tries to gain higher profit by making workers produce more and paid less. According
to Hayes (2020) social change from conflict is inevitable. He believes that just like the social
structure changed from feudalism to capitalism due to conflict and deviance, capitalism would
change to either socialism or communism eradicating the conflict between different groups of
society.
The inequality between the different classes present in the conflict theory does not only exist in
terms of wealth but also in terms of power. This difference extends from power of social norms to
political and authoritative power. The high class use their powers for their own interests where
they create policies and rules benefiting their own class. The poor through dominance is not given
much political power which keeps them in the poor class (Eitzen, 1988). Such type of oppression
of the lower class creates conflict within the society. The civil rights and powers of the poor get
oppressed and without much alternatives, the oppressed turn to deviance. Deviant behavior such
as strikes, revolting against government and violation of law becomes the only way that the poor
working class are able to show their dissatisfaction with society which creates further conflict
within the society (Hayes, 2020). The high-class members of the society usually have their
interests on politics and military power. They use their power to either control or join politics and
military operations. The lower-class members of society are not given the right to interfere in the
governing of any such activity and hence, indulge in deviant behavior to gain attention and
acknowledgement. Such deviant behavior although done for justice and equality demeans the
strength and ethics of the society leading to conflict. The rich are sometimes forced to submit to
the demands of the oppressed and sometimes forced to act harsher on the deviant behavior of the
poor.
Although the conflict theory suggests reasons for deviance and inequality in a society it can also
be harsh on a social structure. Conflict theory views a social or political structure to be in conflict
with the individuals from different classes in it all the time. The theory also suggests that every
member of the social structure only struggles to gain more its own class. Functionalists however,
believe that some degree of conflict should be acceptable if it leads to the stability and harmony
of a society. For example, a landlord and a tenant are not necessarily in a conflict although conflict
theory might suggest it to be since two different classes of individuals are involved. The landlord
will try to gain as much rent as possible for his own benefit while the tenant will try to pay as less
rent as possible. Such tendency to act for their own class or for their own self however, doesn’t
necessarily have to lead to conflict. It can also maintain a balance and stability of the system to not
fall apart. The conflict theory is hence, also criticized for being too obtuse to the notion of conflict.
Dahrendrof (2000) stated that some changes in the social structure of the modern era have
suggested that the society was now past the conflict era of being a capitalist society. Some of these
changes are the decomposition of capital where large scale companies are mostly stock based and
people can invest in any company through shares. Some other changes include the development
of a middle-class group in society to which deviates from the original understanding of conflict
theory where only two classes exist.
References
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