Primary Theories in Criminal Justice

Primary Theories in Criminal Justice

Conflict Theory

Conflict theory describes that the society is a collection of groups in which each group competes for their own benefits and interests. In this way, the efforts of the groups are considered to be important, and they possess such power in which the society thinks other people or minority groups as criminals. The behavior of the minority group in the society is promoted in such a way that the minority group people thinks themselves as criminals (Vold, 1958). The theory of conflict was initially presented by Vold in 1958, and it relates to the development of criminal behavior among people (Vold, 1958). Some other conflict theorist such as Turk (1969) and Sellin (1938) also presented the ideas on the conflict theory. These conflict theorists have regarded the nature of crime as a phenomenon which is present at a macro level. The conflict theorists have placed crime on a position which is a result of the presence of conflict among the societies caused due to the inequalities in the society. These inequalities are due to the grouping system in the society in which some groups prefer themselves over the other groups and strive for the development and progression of their own group only. While striving for their mutual interest, groups have formed a kind of concept against those people and groups who are not included in their own group. They consider them as criminals and promote and portray their personalities and characters and behaviors as that of a criminal.

The conflict does not only represents in the inside concepts of the mind of the people, but also the outwards appearance of the people or groups in society. On the other hand, the conflict theory is strongly associated to crime theory that focuses on the reduction of inequalities and differentiation among the social grouping in the society. For example, the violation of laws and rules by the government officials is not regarded as a crime in various societies. However, a crime of less magnitude of corruption or violation of laws or rules and regulations by a common man in the society who does not belong to politics, is considered to be a great crime and the person may be treated accordingly due to attempt to such crime. The dominant group here is the government official group who may consider working and labor class as criminals and portray their behaviors as of the serious criminals. If this will continue, the dominant group will keep on committing such crimes without fear, and the rest of the society will be disturbed due to the lack of justice and unfair treatment with them (Byun & Ruiz, 2006).

Routine Activity Approach

The theory of routine activity describes the occurrence of the crime as a factor which is related to the motivated offender who searches for a suitable target. The lack of adequate guardian and parental care and support also contribute to the criminal behavior of the ...