Which theory suggests that crimes committed by the upper classes are typically treated more leniently than crimes committed by the lower classes because laws represent the interests of those in power?
A) differential association theory
B) conflict theory
C) principled deviance
D) functionalist theory

Question

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Conflict theory suggests that crimes committed by the upper classes are typically treated more leniently than crimes committed by the lower classes because laws and the criminal justice system represent the interests of those in power. This theory asserts that the wealthy and powerful use their influence to shape laws and the criminal justice system in their favor, leading to unequal treatment of different classes of individuals. Differential association theory focuses on how individuals learn deviant behavior from their social environment, principled deviance suggests that people may engage in deviant behavior for moral or principled reasons, and functionalist theory focuses on the ways in which deviance and crime can actually contribute to the stability of society.

Which Theory Suggests That Crimes Committed by the Upper Classes