Conflict Theory in Understanding Crime Rates

When analyzing the influence of race, class, and gender on crime rates in America, conflict theory is the most suitable sociological approach. According to conflict theory, which Karl Marx formulated, society comprises conflicting groups centered on power and resources. This perspective is beneficial when studying crime rates since it reveals how race, class, and gender differences stem from societal discrimination and lead to the unequal treatment of people in the criminal justice system.

Race and Crime Rates

Unlike the functionalist perspective, conflict theory argues that the differences in crime rates by race stem from unfair social structures and racism. The survey also reveals that African American people and Hispanics are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. As of 2023, the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that Black males were incarcerated at a rate of 2,630 per 100,000 compared to 1,060 for Hispanic males and 392 for White males (Wertheimer, 2023). These differences cannot be attributed simply to crime rates but are products of discrimination in the police force, in the courts, and in the entire socioeconomic system that puts people of color at an unfavorable starting point. Blacks and other people of color are more likely to be stopped, searched, and arrested by the police than their White counterparts despite the findings that blacks are no more involved in criminal activities than their White counterparts. This policing of minority groups leads to more crimes among such groups, thus perpetuating social injustices.

Class and Crime Rates

Class differences influence crime levels because the less fortunate people are more likely to be involved in criminal activities due to unemployment, among other factors. This is evidenced by the National Crime Victimization Survey, which reveals that individuals in households that earn $24,999 or less are at a higher risk of violent crime than those in families that earn $75,000 or more (Flores et al., 2023). Frequently, economically deprived individuals get involved in criminal activities more often in the absence of basic needs and necessities. In addition, the criminal justice system usually disadvantages the less privileged group in society, especially the poor, who cannot afford to hire competent lawyers. This only worsens class inequalities since the rich can manage the lawful procedures, hence low crime rates amongst the affluent.

Gender and Crime Rates

Crime rates, too, are related to gender in that men are more likely to commit crimes and be arrested than women. In 2023, male suspects were arrested more frequently than their female counterparts, at a rate of approximately 73% (Flores et al., 2023). These differences can be attributed to cultural norms and expectations that have been socially constructed to place men and male individuals in aggressive and risky roles. Conflict theory also underlines how women, especially women of color, experience more difficulties within the criminal justice system (Flores et al., 2023). Black and other women of color suffer from both racism and sexism and end up facing harsher penalties, such as lengthy prison terms and high imprisonment rates, than White women. According to the Sentencing Project, Black women are imprisoned per capita at a rate of 1. It explained that crime rates of black women were seven times higher than that of white women, pointing to other forms of oppression that affect crime.

Conclusion

Conflict Theory offers a solid approach to analyzing the role of race, class, and gender in crimes in the United States of America. It demonstrates how prejudice and discrimination are rampant in the criminal justice system and lead to increased crime among excluded groups. Instead, conflict theory looks at the structural reasons for these disparities and insists that new policies and changes at the societal level are necessary to affect changes in crime and eliminate injustice. Modern statistics, according to which there are still significant differences in the crime rates among different races, classes, and genders, also support conflict theory and its applicability to the mentioned social problems.