Question

Consider the different theoretical perspectives explored throughout the text. Which theoretical perspective might be used to explore the social patterns perpetuating overrepresentation of African American and Hispanic males in prisons?

a. structural functionalism
b. postmodernism
c. symbolic interactionism
d. conflict theory

Answer 1

d. conflict theory

Step-by-step explanation:

Conflict theory: The term conflict theory is given by Karl Marx, and entitled as the father of conflict theory.

In sociology, the conflict theory demonstrates that social life is a type of competition and mostly focuses on power, inequality, and resource distribution. Theorists believed that society is a field of inequality that leads to social change and social conflict.

In the question above, the theoretical perspective that might be used to explore the social patterns perpetuating over-representation of African American and Hispanic males in prisons is conflict theory.

Answer 2

d. conflict theory

Step-by-step explanation:

Karl Marx is the father of "social conflict theory".

Conflict theory sees social life as a differences and inequalities that gives rise to conflicts in the society. According to Karl Marx, there is a perspective in the society that the society is in a state of dispute because they have to compete with each other for the little resources available.

Thus Conflict theory by Karl Marx is used to explore the social patterns perpetuating over representation of African American and Hispanic males in prisons.

Hence the answer is --

d. conflict theory