Crime views
...ddresses this. Like the preceding, the conflict perspective/theory can be explained in similar manner, using a political structure/hierarchy analogy. A monarchy or dictatorship would best describe the motivations behind the conflict perspective. As opposed to the consensus perspective where the objective, again in my opinion, is for the greater good, the machinations behind the indoctrination of a conflict oriented perspective to criminal law, places the interests of the individual above those of society, specifically reinforcing the power of those already in power. There is the objective. It might be presented under the auspices of good order and decency, but the primary focus is to keep those in power, in power, with their interests, collective or not, taking precedence over those of the citizenry/society. We have to look deeper and appreciate the relationship for both perspectives as it relates to both law and social order. Actually, I think this approach, or better yet, both approaches when broken down to its most basic element, revolves around control. The dichotomy comes in when we try to ascertain the impetus behind this “control”. For the issue to address, I will select drugs, and try to offer the consensus perspective first. I believe that the consensus perspective as it relates to drugs, revolves the ideology of what is best for society, as a whole. It again, I believe, revolves the social contract that we as individuals have toward each other. Drugs attack the core of what we hold dear in a society, which is accountability, hard work, etc., succinctly, a civil duty we have to each other. Drugs attack this. Drugs can be traced to the break up of families, a lowering of ethics, morals, antisocial behavior, and crime. This affects all of us in society. I believe that the reasons expressed can best explain why such laws where enacted under the consensus perspective “banner”. As it relates to the conflict perspective, I believe another agenda motivated the laws. First and foremost, I believe it revolved around the financial aspects of drugs, and the impact it proposed for the privileged in positions of power. Let’s use the example of a factory owner/baron. If drug laws were not enacted, a factory owner...