How does the social conflict theory and critical criminology explain The Boston Marathon Bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s behavior and decision to commit these acts of terrorism?

Social Conflict and Critical Criminology

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Answer

Social Conflict and Critical Criminology

Social conflict theory contends that social and economic forces acting within society are fundamental causes of crime. The presence of inequalities in society is likely to develop criminal behavior as norms reflect the interests of the powerful in society, and deviance is labeled depending on who has the most power. On the other hand, critical criminology asserts the previous argument that crime is based on social conflicts and the presence of inequalities of social classes (Siegel, 2018). This shows that the existence of class divisions and social differences breeds and generates crime in society. In relation to the Boston shooting, we can use these theories to explain Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s behavior and decision to commit terror attacks. Looking at his story, the offender identified with his father’s Chechen descent; they prospered in the USA as he even studied at the University of Massachusetts. However, he and his brother clung to radical Islamic views and arguments that the USA was responsible for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, killing many Muslims (Siegel, 2018).

Analyzing this story of the offender, we find that he and his brother developed criminal behavior due to the perceived social inequalities and the USA’s role in instigating disparities in Afghanistan and Iraq. When comparing the three countries, using social conflict theory, we find that the USA is the most powerful while Afghanistan and Iraq are described as weak and some of the poorest countries. Tsarnaev blamed the higher power for minimized opportunities, death of Muslims, and the development of social inequalities in their countries, hence deciding to commit terror attacks in a quest for revenge and pain developed within. Social conflict shows the struggles of power in society, which is what Tsarnaev represented when committing his crimes. Economic, social, and political disparities of Afghanistan and Iraq were blamed on the USA, hence showing the role of the USA government in creating a criminogenic milieu (Siegel, 2016).

References

Siegel, L. J. (2016). Criminology: Theories, Patterns and Typologies. Lowell: Cengage Learning.

Siegel, L. J. (2018). Criminology: The Core. New York: Cengage.