Which of the following statements reflects the conflict theory view of crime?

The statement that crime is a result of societal inequality aligns closely with the conflict theory perspective, which emphasizes the role of social structures and power dynamics in shaping behavior and societal norms. Conflict theory, developed by thinkers like Karl Marx, posits that society is characterized by ongoing conflicts between groups with differing interests and power. In this context, crime is often seen as a consequence of the unequal distribution of resources and power, where marginalization and deprivation lead certain groups to commit offenses, either to survive or because they feel disenfranchised by the systems in place.

This perspective highlights that individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds may resort to crime not simply due to personal choice or moral failing, but as a reaction to systemic inequalities that limit their opportunities. Therefore, crime is understood as a social issue rooted in structural conditions rather than just a collection of individual behaviors or psychological issues.

Other options are less aligned with this perspective: crime as a result of individual choices disregards the influence of broader societal factors; the assertion that crime rates are the same across socio-economic classes overlooks the empirical evidence showing variations in crime associated with class; and attributing crime solely to mental health issues simplifies the complex interactions between mental health, social context, and inequality.