The Poor and the Powerless

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses how conflict theory examines the techniques used by those in power to make certain that they stay in power. The paper argues that the criminal justice system in the United States is a prime example of conflict theory at work; it is simply a tool used by the upper class to control the poor and make certain that they maintain their position. The paper highlights the differences between the punishments given for white collar and blue collar crime and demonstrates the relationship between crime and poverty. The paper concludes that the criminal justice system is clearly a tool for the upper social classes to control those of lower social status.

Outline:
Crime and Punishment: an institution for the Rich and Famous
White Collar versus Blue Collar Crime
Relationship between Crime and poverty

From the Paper:

"Conflict theory relies on the role of coercion and power to explain inequalities in social class. This theory explains the existence of social order as the result of a person or group's ability to exercise control or influence over others. Social order is a function of society where each individual or group tries to maximize his or her personal benefits. A society is in continuous struggle as those that are low in the social order attempt to improve their situation. The lower classes are never satisfied with their position, while the upper classes struggle to maintain their position."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Doepke, M. & Zilibotti, F. (2005). Social Class and the Spirit of Capitalism. Paper 1277. The European Economic Association. 3(2-3), 516-524. Retrieved April 10, 2008 from http://repositories.cdlib.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3297&context=postprints
• Dyer, Joel. (2000). The Perpetual Prisoner Machine: How America Profits From Crime. Boulder: Westview.
• Mehlum, H., Moene, K., & Torvik, R. (2005). Crime induced poverty traps. Journal of Development Economics. 77 (2), 325-340. Retrieved April 11, 2003 from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VBV-4FTS34K- 2&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_ version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=09d21c12671f63f5647177e201a01550.
• Neiman, F (2000). Coincidence or Causal Connection? The Relationship between Thomas Jefferson's Visits to Monticello and Sally Hemings's Conceptions. William and Mary Quarterly, 27 (2), 198-210.
• O'meara, K. (2003). Enron crimes get scant punishment: justice still has yet to be served in ongoing Enron investigation, raising troubling questions about how the U.S. legal system punishes white-collar crime - The nation: corporate malfeasance - Ken Lay where are you. Insight on the News. January 7, 2003. Retrieved April 10 from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1571/is_2_19/ai_96238184/pg_1 .

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