Conflict theorists focus on the political processes involved in defining a behavior or characteristic as deviant. They pay special attention to any process by which certain acts or attributes are defined as illegal. All definitions of deviance involve politics. By politics, I mean any person's or group's efforts to gain or maintain power. By power, I mean any ability to get things done.
Feminists focus on the links between power and gender.
Students have a hard time grasping these two theories, so read my discussion, then the seven articles. Here are some questions you should be able to answer when you have completed your reading for this lesson. I suggest putting your answers in outline form. This process will help you understand. Do not send your answers to these questions to me.