Question 1

According to critics, radical criminology could be improved by

Accepted Answer

Radical criminology could be improved by considering how class interacts with other social factors like gender, race, and age, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of crime and its causes.

Question 2

What is the relationship between crime and power according to Hagan's Structural Criminology?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the relationship between crime and...

Question 3

What did Stephen Spitzer argue regarding surplus populations?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What did Stephen Spitzer argue regarding surplus...

Question 4

Marx and Engels define class as a position in the mode of production.

Accepted Answer

Marx and Engels conceptualized class in terms of one's relationship to the means of production, distinguishing between those who own the means of production (bourgeoisie) and those who do not (proletariat).

Question 5

The mode of production includes the means and social relations of production.

Accepted Answer

The mode of production is a concept in Marxist theory that encompasses both the means of production (tools, machinery, and raw materials) and the social relations of production (the relationships and roles people have in the production process).

Question 6

According to Engels, crime is a form of primitive rebellion that will lead to revolutionary consciousness.

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

The basic class struggle is between the capitalist class and the middle class.

Accepted Answer

The basic class struggle, as described by Marxist theory, is between the capitalist class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat), not the middle class.

Question 8

Crimes of domination include harms such as sexism and racism that are not defined as crime by legal codes.

Accepted Answer

Crimes of domination refer to systemic harms like sexism and racism that may not be legally defined as crimes but still cause significant social harm and perpetuate inequality.

Question 9

For Marx, crime was a function of the upper classes in their efforts to control the lower classes.

Accepted Answer

Marx viewed crime as a result of the class struggle and economic inequalities inherent in capitalism, not specifically as a tool used by the upper classes to control the lower classes.

Question 10

Radical criminologists believe that capitalism should promote equal opportunity and resources for all people, thereby reducing the propensity for crime.

Accepted Answer

Radical criminologists argue that capitalism inherently creates inequality and exploitation, which they believe leads to crime. They do not believe capitalism promotes equal opportunity.

Question 11

According to Spitzer, surplus populations are a direct result of the capitalist order need for low-wage labor.

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

Crimes of domination are committed by police and government.

Accepted Answer

Crimes of domination refer to illegal or unethical acts committed by those in positions of power, such as police and government officials, to maintain control or authority over others.

Question 13

Crimes of domination are committed in response to oppressive conditions produced by capitalism.

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

Although conflict analyses of law are theoretically sound, they are not supported by empirical research.

Accepted Answer

Conflict analyses of law are supported by empirical research, which examines how laws are applied and interpreted in real-world situations.

Question 15

Although Congress is subject to influence by powerful groups, appellate courts serve the interests of rich and poor alike.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Although Congress is subject to influence by...

Question 16

Historical materialists describe capitalism as a means of production.

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

One of the problems with conflict theory is that it only attempts to explain crimes committed by the powerful members of society.

Accepted Answer

Conflict theory attempts to explain crimes committed by both powerful and less powerful members of society, focusing on how power dynamics and social inequalities contribute to criminal behavior.

Question 18

According to radical criminologists, crime is a result of fundamental social contradictions generated by capitalism.

Accepted Answer

Radical criminologists argue that crime arises from the inequalities and power imbalances inherent in capitalist societies, where the ruling class uses laws to maintain control over the working class.

Question 19

Like Durkheim, Marx and Engels believed that crime is inevitable. However, the logical foundation of this inevitability was quite different. Summarize those differences, and evaluate their merits. Which makes more sense to you? Why?

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

Compare and contrast conflict and consensus theories, paying particular attention to their divergent understandings of how society is organized, the nature of power and authority, and the role of law.

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 7: The Conflict Tradition