Conflict, Crime and Criminology; history of a criminological idea

• In Event: Theoretical Advances in Critical Criminology

Abstract

Where there is conflict, there is power. Where there is power, there is control. Where there is control, there is crime. At such a high level of abstraction this might seem trite, but this train of thought is the foundation for the conflict perspective in criminology. Historically speaking, the conflict perspective in criminology has been discontinuous and erratic, jostling for place and recognition amidst other approaches. Perspectives on conflict and crime have changed over the years in keeping with changes in social organization. The contemporary period is one of great social, political and cultural conflict. Even at the psycho-social level experienced by individuals conflict seems to be greatly exacerbated as compared with even the late 20th century. It is therefore useful to spell out the history of ideas about conflict, crime and criminology, laying out some of its past incarnations, and to consider the philosophical grounds upon which the conflict perspective in criminology rests. The need to consider the conflict perspective seems very likely to gain ground in criminological theorizing in the coming decades.

Author

• James Sheptycki, York University, Toronto, CANADA