Final answer:
The conflict theory perspective examines deviance as a manifestation of social inequality and power, rooted in Marxist thought, suggesting that the wealthy define deviance to maintain control (c).
Step-by-step explanation:
The conflict theory perspective looks at deviance in terms of social inequality and power. This sociological framework posits that the rich and powerful use their positions to determine which acts are deviant and how deviants should be punished. It is through this lens that sociologists examine the ways in which social and economic factors influence behavior, with an emphasis on how disparities in wealth and power contribute to deviant activities. This contradicts the functionalist view, which sees deviance as a necessary element of a functioning society, and the symbolic interactionist perspective, which studies deviance through the meanings individuals ascribe to their actions and the actions of others on a micro-level.
According to conflict theory, the social rules and norms that define what is considered deviant behavior are often established by those in positions of power to maintain and enhance their control over society. This theory is rooted in Karl Marx’s ideas about the struggle between different social classes, particularly the bourgeois and the proletariat. For instance, the laws and consequences for breaking them may be designed in a way that disproportionately affects lower socioeconomic groups. This expresses the underlying conflicts that exist in society regarding wealth, power, and social standing.