Critical Theory Vs Conflict Theory Essay

Conflict and critical theories try to look at the classes created by society, and how those in power try to keep their power through oppression of the lower classes. Critical theories examine the structures in place that give certain individuals opportunities and advantages, while leaving others in a disadvantaged position (Deutschmann, 2007: 368-369). The rules in a society are devised by those in power, and are used in order to regulate those who are powerless in that society. The rules are skewed in a way that they fit the lifestyle of those who have power, at the cost of those who do not. Those rules can lead people who lack power and material to criminal or deviant acts, as the majority of those who break the rules tend to do so because they need to, or because society has forced them into a position of nonconformity in order to get by (Deutschmann,
Conflict theory focuses on economic classes in society and how that effects power, while critical theory focuses on other forms of power other than economic. Groups in society have their own definitions of right and wrong, and clash with other groups who do not share those same values. These clashes create a power struggle which makes certain groups more powerful than others, and other groups can be labelled as deviants. The group that goes into power is also able to enforce their definitions of right and wrong through rules or laws, which can further marginalize those beneath them. People in the out group, become deviant because they attempt to break the rules that are keeping them down. The source of the deviance is the unfairness between the groups in a society. Critical theorists attempt to break these structures of power, and reduce the levels of inequality in society (Deutschmann, 2007: