1.2 Explain the Social Construction of Crime

Question 1

Define Social Construction

Answer 1

The way people structure and order things in society, it also means that its been defined by society and isn’t natural. Crime is a social construct.

Question 2

What are the three reasons that affect the social construction of crime

Answer 2

-Culture/place
-Circumstance
-Time

Question 3

Give two examples where crimes are different depending on the culture/place.

Answer 3

Homosexuality, became legal in the UK (Sexual Offences Act 1967). Illegal in china. This is because of difference in religions or because of dictatorships. Animal Abuse, illegal in the UK, (Animal welfare act 2006), legal in china due to difference in culture and foods

Question 4

Give examples as for why laws are applied differently depending on the circumstance

Answer 4

Moral panic - Student got 6 months for stealing a £3.50 case of water.
Police Typifications - Lavina woodward, small scentence as she was believed to have a bright future
Age- criminal responsibility is 10 years old in the UK

Question 5

Give examples where time has changed laws and punishments within society

Answer 5

Capital punishment is seen as an infringement on human rights (Abolition of the death penalty Act of 1965). Identity theft became a crime (frauds act 2006) due to panic in society.