Brett Kavanaugh's Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
Brett Kavanaugh, the nominee for the Supreme Court, is facing many allegations of sexual misconduct. Christine Blasey Ford, Julie Swetnick and Deborah Ramirez accused Kavanaugh publicly for his sexual misconduct in college and high school, where another anonymous allegation has surfaced. Kavanaugh came out strongly denying these allegations as he testified before the Judiciary committee of the Senate on Thursday, September 27th. The accusations from the three different accusers are from the time when Kavanaugh was in college and high school during the 1980's (Laughland & Jacobs, n.p).
Specific Allegations Against Brett Kavanaugh
The allegations specifically indicate that Brett Kavanaugh is being accused of raping a woman on a boat and assaulting a lady in a bar. The claims came out when the judge was preparing himself to make an appearance before the Senate committee, prompting investigations to be started. In a conference call released by the Senate committee, Kavanaugh termed the allegations as outrageous (Stubley, n.p).
Conflict Theory and Kavanaugh's Allegations
Conflict theory, just as indicated in the works of Karl Marx, has a focus on the origin and consequences of conflicts among the classes, between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. Marx put forth the theory that the system was premised on the proletariat and the bourgeoisie, which creates a class conflict since the two interests are at odds since the resources are not evenly distributed among the people. In Kavanaugh's case, the allegations of sexual misconduct have surfaced on his nomination by Trump for the Supreme Court position. During such a time is when such negative allegations surface.
Public Views and Socio-Economic Conditions
Such a position demands people who are accountable and straight in the public's view. These views from the public are critical and if the allegations prove to be true may determine whether the individual will be appointed to the chair or not. The worsening of the socio-economic conditions for the proletariat, in this case, led to the development of a consciousness in the class that points to the exploitation of the wealthy capitalist class of the bourgeoisie. In this case, Trump's appointment led to the women speaking out on the conduct of the nominee, that is Brett Kavanaugh.
Deviant Behavior and Functionalism Perspective
The acts that Kavanaugh is accused of are a form of deviant behavior that is not expected in the society or is against the accepted social norms. In the functionalist perspective, if everything in the society works as is expected, all the parts of the society produce stability, order, and productivity. If it does not go well, on the other hand, the components of the society have to adapt to come up with new forms of stability, order, and productivity.
Disorganization and Social Change
Functionalism insists on the order and consensus that exists in the society. It focuses on the stability of the nation and common public values. In this regard, the disorganization within the system such as deviant behavior, as in the case of Brett Kavanaugh, leads to outcry for change because the societal elements have to be adjusted to gain stability. This is because every component of the society is meant to compliment the other, and when they do not, it leads to conflict within the system itself. When a specific part in the order does not work as expected or is dysfunctional, it negatively influences or affects other parts which lead to problems within the society and this, in the end, is a precursor for social change.
Works Cited
Jacobs, Ben. "Brett Kavanaugh Faces Second Allegation of Sexual Misconduct." The Guardian, 24 Sept. 2018, www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/sep/24/brett-kavanaugh-second-allegation-sexual-misconduct-deborah-ramirez. Accessed 1 Oct. 2018.
Stubley, Peter. "Kavanaugh Faces New Allegations As Two Men Come Forward to Claim They Assaulted Christine Blasey Ford." The Independent, 27 Sept. 2018, www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/brett-kavanaugh-hearing-supreme-court-rape-allegation-christine-blasey-ford-confirmation-a8557151.html. Accessed 1 Oct. 2018.
