Which theory suggests that eliminating capitalism would reduce criminal behavior?

The theory that suggests eliminating capitalism would reduce criminal behavior is rooted in conflict theory. This perspective views crime as a product of social and economic inequality. According to conflict theorists, capitalism creates a system where wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, leading to a significant disparity between the rich and the poor. This disparity can foster feelings of frustration, alienation, and desperation among those on the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum, which in turn may drive some individuals to commit crimes as a means of survival or resistance.

Conflict theory posits that the laws and norms of society serve the interest of the powerful while marginalizing the less fortunate. By addressing and potentially dismantling capitalist structures that perpetuate inequality, proponents of this theory believe that systemic sources of crime could be mitigated. This perspective challenges traditional notions of crime as purely individualistic or a product of social learning, framing it instead as a manifestation of broader societal conflicts and injustices.