Final answer:
Conflict theory views crime and deviance as the result of systemic social inequality that benefits those with wealth and power while marginalizing others. It suggests that societal norms may be structured in ways that enforce the status quo and that social control mechanisms can reinforce existing social inequalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
From a conflict theory perspective, crime and deviance are viewed as a result of social inequality that perpetuates power disparity. This sociological paradigm, heavily influenced by the work of Karl Marx, suggests that crime stems from systemic inequities which keep the elite in positions of power, hence maintaining and expanding their influence. Rather than viewing crime as a product of social disorganization or a lack of individual self-control, conflict theorists see it as evidence of the struggle between those with wealth and power and those without.
These theorists argue that deviance is not just an abstract concept but has real-world implications that are tied to the distribution of resources and power. They challenge traditional theories by suggesting that societal norms and laws are often shaped to serve the interests of the powerful, whereas those who are marginalized and lack resources may engage in deviant activities as a response to systemic oppression.
Furthermore, conflict theory posits that the socially constructed nature of deviance is manipulated by the powerful to maintain social order in their favor, highlighting that social control measures, like law enforcement and sentencing, can reflect and amplify existing social inequalities. This interpretation shifts the focus from the individual to the broader social structures and economic conditions when analyzing crime and delinquency.