From a conflict viewpoint on crime, power is attributed to which group?

From a conflict viewpoint on crime, power is attributed to which group?

• A. The police
• B. The government
• C. The middle class
• D. The rich

Answer: (D)

In the conflict view of crime, power is held by those who control wealth and economic resources—the rich. This perspective sees laws and policing as instruments that serve the interests of the powerful, shaping what counts as crime, who is labeled a criminal, and how punishment is applied. The wealthy influence policy, enforcement priorities, and the justice system through resources, lobbying, and control of institutions, so they occupy the central position of power in this framework. While police or government can act within this system, their power stems from serving the dominant economic class. The middle class has less overall influence compared to the wealthy, reinforcing why the rich are the primary holders of power in this viewpoint.

In the conflict view of crime, power is held by those who control wealth and economic resources—the rich. This perspective sees laws and policing as instruments that serve the interests of the powerful, shaping what counts as crime, who is labeled a criminal, and how punishment is applied. The wealthy influence policy, enforcement priorities, and the justice system through resources, lobbying, and control of institutions, so they occupy the central position of power in this framework. While police or government can act within this system, their power stems from serving the dominant economic class. The middle class has less overall influence compared to the wealthy, reinforcing why the rich are the primary holders of power in this viewpoint.