Abstract Conflict theory in criminal justice is based on the assumption that society is grounded in inherent conflict that cannot be resolved. This paper discusses how conflict theorists argue that those who hold power and wealth in a capitalist economy force the less-powerful to abide by their established rules with the purpose of protecting their own property and physical safety. It explains that the theory relies on a Marxist interpretation of the function of a capitalist society. It also shows how the theory argues for a broader definition of crime to include offenses and actions intended to maintain the ruling structure. This paper addresses how the theory and models of punishment based on the theory require an understanding of criminal justice that takes into consideration the social and political causes of crime, particularly models of treatment based on a concept of restorative justice.
Table of Contents
History and Definition of Conflict Theory
Human Nature
Social Order
Causal Logic of Conflict Theory
Conflict Theory and Criminal Justice Policy
Conflict Theory and Criminal Justice Practice
Evaluation
Bibliography
From the Paper "Before the 1960s, most criminology research and theory was conducted under the rubric of structural-functionalism, which assumed the primacy of the social system and the inter-relationship of social institutions without much focus or consideration for the individuals or groups who made up the institutions. However, critics of these theories argued that by minimizing the social conflict and tension inherent within society, these theories supported a politically conservative agenda within sociology and criminology."
Abstract This paper examines how the family is a basic unit of society and is usually regarded not only as indispensable but as the key element in socialization processes and in the perpetuation of societal values. It looks at how the family has been the basic unit of society from ancient times to the present and how although different cultures may view the family and certain kinship in a differing light, the basic family unit is a near-universal social reality, with the nuclear family of parents and children a norm understood by virtually everyone. It evaluates the changing status of the family over the years and analyzes how the nuclear family seems to be disappearing in a world where divorce and unwed motherhood are occurring at high rates.
From the Paper "Many who feel family values are being lost are indeed making a value judgment on the new notion of the family. They see the traditional nuclear family as "the" family and any variation on that as a challenge to family values, thus excluding what Rubin would include--single-parent households, gay and lesbian households, couples without children, people who have children and live together without ever marrying, and members of divorced families, remarried families, blended families, and extended families (Rubin 19). Clearly, one reason people believe family values are disappearing is because they have a narrow definition of what constitutes a family and its values in the first place."
Abstract The media, including television, magazines, radio, internet and billboards surround everyone daily, sending messages about what items to buy and why. While the effect is obvious among the adult population, the effect is even more profound on the teenage population. The present day media has established a target on adolescents, influencing them to smoke, drink, look a certain way and dress a certain way in order to be accepted by society. This paper focuses on the affect that television has on teenagers, showing that the average American teenager will view nearly 14,000 sexual remarks, sexual innuendos, and jokes per year. The paper details the negative effects on these youths, including an increase in violence, early sexual activity, substance abuse and eating disorders.
From the Paper "Studies have shown that young women subscribing at an early age to "teen" magazines such as "YM" or "Teen" have a much higher rate of eating disorders. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (2002), an increase in magazine viewing led to a 45% increase in lowered self esteem in young women age 12-15. Another study showed that 66% of young women believed that models in magazines were their "ideal" image, or what they were expected to look like (Irving, et al 1998). Actually, the average American woman is 5?4" tall and weighs 140 pounds. The average American model is 5?11" tall and weighs 117 pounds. Most fashion models are thinner than 98% of American women (NEAD, 2000)."
Abstract This paper discusses that, in Whitaker and Napier's examination of process of family therapy, the authors find that the most progressive way of exploring conflict within families is structured through the family systems model, in which all behaviors of the family are addressed in order to assess the sense of commonality that unites the different aspects of the family.
Abstract This paper looks at the problem of elder abuse in our society and around the world. It looks at who the victims are, who the perpetrators are, and why it is often hard to prevent elder abuse. Also discussed are measures physicians and social workers can take to help deal with the problem of elder abuse, the ways various state laws deal with the problem, and some recognizable signs of elder abuse.
From the Paper "Due to the innovations in the fields of medicine, science and technology the life expectancy of an average male and female has increased drastically. Many people are living longer and are in a better state of health. However the more old they grow the more they are dependent on others to take care of their needs. This leads to many problems as it exposes a hidden problem known as elder abuse. There are several cases of elder abuse reported every year. Due to the extent of the elder abuse, some of the victims tend to die earlier due to the psychological and physical damage."
Abstract This paper defines the principles of utilitarianism in relation to abortion, or the ethical discussion that justifies abortion as a means of reducing population burdens for the rest of society. Reasons for reducing this burden are specified as both economical and ecological, where reduced population allows for a better standard of living and a healthier environment.
From the Paper "Over the past decades a number of prominent individuals have been attacked or killed by people with a psychosis or other mental disorders, including ex-Beatle John Lennon and former U.S. President, Ronald Reagan. Although these cases may be spectacular, violence and aggression displayed by the mentally ill is usually directed against partners or family members, rather than others (Danielson et al, 1998). There is little evidence of an increasing number of violent acts made by patients with psychosis, but literature suggests that patients with major mental disorders have an increased risk for committing such acts compared with the general population (Munro, 2000). ). Fed by highly selected information in the mass media about their very rare contribution to one type of tragedy, homicide, the public and politicians believe, or are being encouraged to believe through the mass media, that unless people with a mental disorder are once more segregated, the streets will not be safe."
Abstract This paper focuses on the quality of care delivered by various forms of managed care organizations and fee-for-service organizations as reported by numerous recent studies.
From the Paper "There is a current climate of distrust and frustration with managed care which has led many people to question whether health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and other forms of managed care really are looking out for the best interests of their patients. Managed care plans have incentives in place which reward physicians and other health service providers for providing fewer services or less costly solutions. With American society's negative feelings toward managed care medical practices, questions about the quality of care provided by various managed care institutions have been raised. The fact that managed care enrollment has been increasing while at the same time growth in total healthcare expenditures has been declining only serves to increase the frequency of questions about the quality of healthcare provided by managed care organizations. This paper will focus on the quality of care delivered by various forms of managed care organizations and fee-for-service organizations as reported by numerous recent studies."
Abstract A paper about sports history, a comparison between ancient sports and modern sports of today. The author looks at aspects such as the sports played, how they were played, their technological differences and how their symbolic and societal meanings differ.
From the Paper "Sports in the ancient world had their similarities to modern sports, but there are a few differences as well. In modern sports, there is more attention to detail when preparing fields for play, but nonetheless there are numerous amounts of workers who prepare the fields that athletes play on. In modern sports, nearly every sport has their schedules devised much before the season even begins. Although not all sports had officials at that time, there were people who kept order. In ancient sports, there were no records that were kept of ongoing statistics. Without role players, teams could not play to their optimum levels at all times."
Tags: baseball, games, greek, history, players, pythian, roman
Abstract An examination of the climatic global changes taking place. The author discusses the types of climatic changes occurring and their effects on certain geographical areas and on the environment. Also, a look at their long term impacts on society as a whole.
From the Paper "Since the mid-1970's, scientists reported, the average global surface temperature has increased at a rate of about 3.5 degrees per century -- about the same rate estimated for the 21st century if emissions of waste industrial gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are not reduced. By comparison, the world has warmed by 5 to 9 degrees since the depths of the last ice age, 18,000 to 20,000 years ago."
Abstract An examination of John Mill and Immanuel Kant's theories on ethics. The author examines Mill's view of hedonistic ethics and Kant's view of reason and intentions. The author explains and compares these two point of views.
From the Paper "Ethics, being as broad and opinion-based as it is, can be a difficult issue not only to define, but also to explain clearly to others. In the 18 and 19 hundreds two outgoing philosophers set forth to provide moral theories formed with concrete information, to add to the foundation of ethics. These two men were John Mill and Immanuel Kant, and their views were known as Utilitarianism and Kantian theory respectively. Both avoid interlacing their own opinions, in hope of finding a greater genuineness to their conjectures. Mill offers us a hedonistic ethics, full of pleasure and ends, while Kant proposes ridged principles of reason and intentions. Due to the fact that the subject is so hard to understand, many times their work must be interpreted and simplified. This paper will attempt to do just that, clarify the conjectures of these two theorists."
Abstract This paper argues that abortion is both murder and unmoral despite legal moves taken by the United States government and the states.
From the Paper "One of the many issues that rise among us today is abortion. It is an issue that is debated constantly between pro life and pro choice. The biggest argumentative points are (1) when do we know when life starts, (2) is preventing pregnancy considered killing, and (3) what are our individual rights. "
Abstract This paper discusses the pros and cons of bilingualism focusing on the homogenizing of the world's languages and the struggle to keep some languages and cultures alive. It mentions the effects of colonial powers, the necessities of learning other languages for trade purposes and the reluctance of younger members of minority groups to learn their original tongue. Contains information such as the top nine countries language wise contain 3,300 languages. The paper also discusses the gradual process of change in a language.
From the paper:
?Bilingualism is a reality today and it will become a greater reality as time goes. The extent to which it is prevalent is evidenced by the presence of bilinguals in every country today, as well as in every social class and every age group. International travel, communication and the mass media, emigration and planetary economics have created a so-called global village whereby inhabitants speak more than their own native language."
This paper analyzes the concept of "change", theories behind it, why it is necessary and how organizations need to cope with change in order to survive.
1,750 words (approx. 7 pages), 13 sources, 2001, $ 56.95
Abstract This paper analyses the concept of "change", theories behind it, why it is necessary and how organizations need to cope with change in order to survive.
From the paper:
"Change requires change. Organizations today are making abundant changes internally to cope with a highly turbulent external environment. With frequent reorganizing, downsizing, rightsizing, delayering, flattening the pyramid, teaming and outsourcing taking place, careers and career opportunities are in pandemonium resulting from the progressive destabilization of relationships between people and organizations."
An analysis and examination of organized crime both in the United States and internationally, with specific reference to its history and characteristics.
2,500 words (approx. 10 pages), 22 sources, 2001, $ 75.95
Abstract In this paper the author analyzes and examines organized crime. The history of organized crime in the United States is discussed; the distinguishing characteristics of organized crime groups are examined and reviewed; the tensions between federal, international, and state laws in fighting organized crime are discussed; the supply of illicit drugs into the United States is examined and finally, the paper concludes with recommendations for battling organized crime.
From the paper:
?Organized crime poses severe threats to international and national security, particularly as the economy becomes increasingly global. Such threats present new conflicts that will require innovative strategies in the future. Cooperation among global organized crime groups has increased as restrictions have lessened between international borders.?
