Conflict or Consensus?
Background:
This discussion requires some personal reflection. Our society offers many opportunities to define ourselves as “conservatives” or “liberals.” While the terminology is inaccurate, most of us know where we fall along this spectrum. Some of us are also very libertarian, an ideology that doesn’t always fit the conservative/liberal dichotomy. We also have personal views and ideologies about crime and justice, similar to other political perspectives, but defined in different ways. These personal views and ideologies will impact how you interact with the assigned readings and everything in this classroom.
This week we learn about “conflict” and “consensus” perspectives. These theories provide another way to categorize our ideological perspectives. While both are active, many of us lean one way or another. Critical theorists (such as myself) tend to see the impact of power everywhere we look. I know we vote (gerrymandered as it is), and the U.S. Government is structured to provide the opportunity for consensus, but it doesn’t seem to work as we would like. However, some will argue that all policymaking is consensus. Without agreement, we cannot pass laws. Everyone’s voice was heard, and both sides are equally mad, so we have consensus.
Assignment:
Consider the following behaviors prohibited by law: speeding, shoplifting, marijuana use, prostitution, and murder.
Choose one of these behaviors and tell us how efforts to prohibit provide examples of “conflict” and/or “consensus.” Provide specific examples to support your view. Be prepared to defend your arguments with scholarly literature.
Which perspective do you think is dominant in our society?
Does your perspective affect the way you look at the world?
The video link and additional resources:
http://www.unm.edu/~soc101/orderandconflict.htm
https://www.public.asu.edu/~sshutte/documents/Shutters_Cutts_ICCCD08.pdf
