According to the conflict theory of crime and deviance, social inequality and power underlie how crime, deviance and punishment is characterized. The wealthy and influential members in society determine whom and which behaviors are deemed deviant and punishable. The conflict theory can be misused to rationalize behavior because it implies that there aren't any behaviors or individuals who are inherently deviant , instead behaviors and individuals are deemed deviant when they do not serve the interests of affluent members of society.