Founded by Karl Marx, conflict theory conjectures that social order is sustained through wealth and power and constant class conflict (subduing the poor by keeping them away from the limited resources). The resulting conflict and inequalities between the classes result in crime, according to Marx. Social conflict theorists use the criminal justice system to support their argument. The elite class passes laws to benefit themselves (and they are also judged differently, more leniently). OJ Simpson was able to get off for the murder of Nicole Brown (the court said “he didn’t do it,” but he was able to get off because of his wealth and famous lawyers).
Like Franklin Roosevelt won the elections in 1932 as Reagan won in 1980, when much of the American population felt discontent over America Economy, society and politics. For 50 years before American believed that their Government could and should be expected to solve their country’s pressing social and economic problems. For more than thirty years after Reagan’s era, Most American believe that free market is the solution to their country economic troubles. In the years that followed Second World War, Reagan drifted from away from Franklyn Roosevelt democratic ways and his liberal Ideologies. Reagan came to oppose was the high tax rate Roosevelt and the democrat imposed upon the rich.
In chapter four of Freakonomics, Levitt and Dubner discuss the criminal activity occurring in the United states and what the possible causes are for the decrease of crime rate in the 1990’s. The authors bring up several theories as to why the crime rates have decreased such as policemen, stricter gun laws, drug market changes and even abortion laws. Levitt and Dubner do a really good job in explaining the different theories in the decrease of crimes. The authors also provide very interesting points that might make you think differently about something. Some factors may seem hard to believe but it can cause a great impact in society like abortion.
The Progressive Era was a period of economic, political, and social reform in the United States. The era began in the 1890 's, after the severe depression of the Panic of 1893 was coming to a close, and ended when the United States entered World War I in 1917. The main objectives of the movement were eliminating problems caused by urbanization, immigration, industrialization, and corruption in government. At the end of the Progressive Era in 1917, the movement had successfully taken strides in expanding democracy and regulating the economy. The Progressive Era impacted the development of politics by requiring the government to step in and make changes, ultimately resulting in a stronger and more powerful direct democracy.
The ratification of the 18th amendment banned the manufacturing, transportation, and sale of alcohol. This amendment was passed because people deemed that alcohol was a “destructive force in families and marriages” (History.com Staff). Also, factory owners supported prohibition because it made their workers more efficient and capable of working longer hours. In 1917, the United States entered WWI. President Woodrow Wilson enacted a temporary prohibition ban to save
Cipla's generic inexpensive antiretroviral drugs were a true game changer. Lives that were considered lost were being saved. It also talks of the efforts of Western government, working on behalf of industry to hinder and cut off supplies of affordable generic drugs by the means of bi-lateral and multilateral trade agreements which low and middle income countries are placed under enormous pressure to sign. High prices are the only trade off for industries that spend a large amount on R & D to find new medicines. Formation of cartels can also be seen in the movie.
The Roaring Twenties come to portray America during the time of Prohibition. In the 1920’s, where the book takes place, World War I had just come to a close. Many people swarmed toward the big cities from their small towns. They viewed the cities as an opportunity to search for a more modern way of living. Alcohol fluctuated in many new American homes and drunks occupied prisons and poorhouses.
War was absolutely devastating; emotionally and economically throughout the world. Especially after World War I, is was shocking to people because it was the first time anyone had witnessed something so distorting. In America, it changed everyone 's life styles. People became more materialistic and rebellious. The UXL Encyclopedia of U.S. History talks about that time period by saying “The novel reflects the outward glitter and the inward corruption of the Roaring Twenties , also known as the Jazz Age, a decade of prosperity and excess that began soon after the end of World War I (1914–18) in 1918 and ended with the 1929 stock-market crash”(656).
Rockefeller’s impact on the United States cause the U.S. government to create new laws and acts to prevent unfair business tactics and promote the idea of capitalism. During Rockefeller’s time in the oil industry he at one point controlled about 90% of U.S. pipelines and refineries. Statistics show that Rockefeller was very successful, however, he was not the most ethical businessman. He created the first monopoly by unethical practices such as colluding with railroads and using predatory pricing to rid himself of competition and take the idea of capitalism away from other aspiring oil businessmen. In Rockefeller’s mind, however, he was not being unfair he; was rather just using effective business techniques.
Over the years, drug users have made it easier for the government to find a reason to keep drugs illegal. If drugs did not go beyond a respectable use, they would have remained legal. Bertolt Brecht feels that, “The law was made for one thing alone, for the exploitation of those who don’t understand it, or are prevented by naked misery from obeying it” (Anderson 15).