The 1960s was part of a highly significant era in criminology. During this time, many criminologists turned away from traditional theories of crime and criminality. These criminologists began to look at what the people in power, and what they do with that power, as the cause of delinquency and criminal offending. This chapter begins with a review of labeling theory, which posits that it is not so much the deviant act, but the reaction to it, that is significant. This is followed by a review of conflict theory whose proponents challenge the system itself, questioning whether a consensus exists, or is even possible. Next, there is a discussion of radical theory, which is based on the work of Engels and Marx, Bonger, Rusche and Kirchheimer. The chapter concludes with a summary of emerging explanations, such as radical feminist theory, left realism, abolitionist and anarchist criminology, and peacemaking criminology.
