What type of crime does conflict theory primarily focus on?

Conflict theory primarily focuses on the power dynamics and inequalities in society, examining how laws and norms often reflect the interests of those in power. Within this framework, crimes are not viewed simply as individual acts but as behaviors that arise from the socioeconomic structures that benefit certain groups over others.

The focus on crimes of necessity, such as theft or survival crimes committed as a response to economic desperation, emphasizes how individuals on the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum may engage in illegal activities due to lack of resources or systemic inequalities. Conflict theory critiques how the justice system tends to criminalize the actions of marginalized groups while overlooking the actions of those with power who may exploit or harm society without facing the same level of scrutiny.

In contrast, white-collar crimes and corporate crimes, while significant, often get attention in the context of how institutional practices harm society rather than as acts necessary for survival. Victimless crimes also do not align closely with conflict theory's emphasis on power imbalance, as they often involve voluntary actions that do not necessarily reflect the struggles of less powerful groups.

Thus, the analysis of crimes of necessity aligns with the essential tenets of conflict theory, as it highlights the relationships between wealth, power, and criminalized behaviors in society.