A proponent of structural functionalism would say mass incarceration is meeting a social need. It is a tool used to keep “the body” of society functioning properly. Durkheim suggests that crime and punishment serve a function in society like a social fact and that it helps maintain societies moral balance. Structural functionalist would believe in incarceration as a key element in maintaining an equilibrium in society.
A proponent of conflict theory would see mass incarceration as another blatant example of class warfare. Society is made up of very diverse socioeconomic levels and yet our incarceration rates for lower class and racially specifics groups is sky rocketing. Conflict theorist, such as Karl Marx who saw society as a competition for power and control. (pg.16) would suggest that mass incarceration is a tool for unequal social structure. A select few powerful individuals and groups make the laws, and those laws are enforced to outlaw any behavior that threatens their interests. The poor and powerless are much more likely to be arrested, convicted and sentenced for serious crimes, while the powerful and wealthy continually get off with only fines if anything. The crime rate among the poor is very high because of a lack of opportunities. The poor also lack education, skills, and a strong support system that is necessary for individuals to become productive,
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There wouldn't be one specific view. It is all based on the way we interpret the world around us. Symbols, laws, and acts of prejudice are different to each individual as well as communities and societies. We are products of how we are raised. From the communities we grow up in, the color of our skin, the tv shows we watch, and the schools we attend. What someone who grew up in a northern Atlanta suburb would believe about the world would be entirely different then someone who was raised in south