Questions

Lewis Coser (1956) The Functions of Social Conflict. New York: The Free Press.

33-95 (chapter 2 through chapter 5, Proposition 9)
133-149 (chapter 7, proposition 15 through chapter 8)

Coser defines social conflict as: "a struggle over values and claims to scarce status, power and resources in which the aims of the opponents are to neutralize, injure or eliminate their rivals" (p. 8). Can you think of examples of crime incidents which do qualify as social conflicts? Can you think of crime incidents which do not?

Chapter 2

p 34 "conflict sets boundaries between groups within a social system by strengthening group consciousness and awareness of separateness, thus establishing the identify of groups within the system"

p. 37 "whether feelings of hostility lead to conflict behavior depends in part on whether or not the unequal distribution of rights is considered legitimate ... legitimacy is a crucial intervening variable without which it is impossible to predict whether feelings of hostility arising out of an unequal distribution of privileges and rights will actually lead to conflict" Can you think of some non-crime examples which might illustrate this point? Can you think of some specific crimes, or if you are feeling general, some crime types that fit this point?

p. 38 - can you think of examples, referring either to specific crimes, or interactions between the criminal justice system and its clients, that would illustrate either of the first two points he is making here under his rephrasing?

Chapter 3

Can you think of examples of sanctioned outlets of hostilities?

In hostilities: What is displacement of means?; Displacement of objects?

Coser (Proposition 3) distinguishes between realistic and nonrealistic conflict - conflict as a means and as an end. Can you think of crime incidents which would fit into each category? Explain your reasoning? Some touch points to consider: crime for gain; victim-offender relationships; term "random" crime. What are the implications of the term "realistic conflict" for discussions about the relationship between "crime for gain" and economic conditions?

"Nonrealistic conflict ... is not directly bound to the object, which has become a target by situational accident'" (50).

Do you think the term "realistic conflict" applies to the recent laws passed in Hazelton (PA) making the hiring of illegal immigrant workers punishable?

"Conflict  ... always presupposes a relationship" ( 59) What are the implication of this thought for a criminology focused almost exclusively on offenders?

Chapter 4

In this and the preceding chapter, Simmel argues there is ambivalence in close relationships, and "the closer the relationship the more intense the conflict" (67).  Do you see any application to understanding origins of domestic violence?

When conflicts break out in groups which engage "the total personality of their members" they are likely to be harsher and more violent. Does this help us understand the shape and texture of gang violence?

"Conflict with an out-group defines the boundaries of the in-group." (69). Implications for efforts to stop inter-gang conflict in urban locations?

The idea of communal vs. non-communal conflicts is introduced (p. 75). With the latter "there is no community of ends between the parties to the conflict." If we accept various crime incidents as examples of conflict, can you draw any general lines between when the crime is communal vs. non-communal? Where does the mediation/reconciliation movement come out on this question?

E.A. Ross said (p. 77) " 'society is sewn together by its inner conflicts.' "  Reactions?

Chapter 5

"outside conflict will strengthen the internal cohesion of the group and increase centralization" (88)

"negative reference groups operate in the creation and integration of new groups ... negative reference groups which lead, by calling forth opposition, to the formation of new groups, also lead through conflict to their further integration" (90) - just store this thought away for now - we will return to it when we start reading Garland and the rise of the law and order agenda - but for now, can you see how this kind of comment takes on special weight when we consider the racial composition of incarcerated and supervised offenders in general?

In what ways do current "street" crime patterns further middle/upper middle class integration?