Sociological Perspective

Three analytical perspectives on law and social order are described in Chapter 9: the consensus perspective, the pluralist perspective, and the conflict perspective (Schmallenger). The consensus perspective is identified by its four principles: 1. Most members of a society believe in the existence of core values; 2. Laws reflect the collective will of the people; 3. Law serves all people equally; and 4. Law violators represent a unique subgroup with distinguishing features (Schmallenger, p. 216). According to the consensus perspective, the majority of people in society understand and appreciate the difference between right and wrong. Groups work together with a shared goal of “greater good” (Schmallenger, p. 216). One occurrence that supports

The pluralist perspective is governed by five principles: 1. Society consists of many diverse social groups; 2. Each group has its own set of values, beliefs, and interests; 3. A general agreement exists on the usefulness and formation of laws as a mechanism for dispute resolution; 4. The legal system is value neutral; and 5. The legal system is concerned with the best interests of society (Schmallenger, p. 218). The pluralist perspective might be seen when two groups existing in society resolve a dispute within the legal system, trusting that it will resolve the matter in a way that reflects neutrality and the best interests of society as a whole. The final analytical perspective is the conflict perspective. The conflict perspective has six elements: 1. Society is made up of diverse social groups, based on distinctions held as significant by people, i.e. gender, social class, and sexual orientation; 2. Each group has different definitions of right and wrong; 3. Conflict between groups is both unavoidable and socially significant, representing a competition for power; 4. Group conflict centers on the exercise of political and other forms of power; 5. Law serves as a tool for the powerful and serves to further the interests of the