1.2 Social Construction Of Criminality: Culture Flashcards
What is Polygamy
Having more than one husband or wife at the same time. Includes polygyny, polyandry and bigamy
Where is polygamy a crime?
Most countries
Where is polygamy legal?
Mostly only in certain Muslim countries e.g India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka
Why is Polygamy legal for reasons of religion?
The Qu’ran permits Muslim men to take up to 4 wives
Why is polygamy legal in terms of tradition?
Polygamy has traditionally been practiced in some African societies
What is Cannabis
Laws vary widely- in general possession is treated more leniently that growing/ supplying
Where is cannabis a crime?
Uk- as many other European countries
Where is Cannabis legal
Legalised for medical use in Canada/ some US states. Decriminalised in Portugal
Reason Cannabis is legal in terms of different norms and values
Societies with greater emphasis on personal freedoms more likely to not see it as a criminal act
Reason cannabis is legal in terms of different ideas about how to control drug use
Some governments see decriminalisation or legalisation as taking drugs out of the hands of criminals, others see cannabis as a gateway drug and seek to control its use
What is Homosexuality?
Sexual acts between members of the same sex
Where is Homosexuality a crime?
75 countries outlaw male homosexuality. 45 countries outlaw lesbian activity. Some countries ban promotion of homosexuality e.g Russia
Where is homosexuality legal?
UK, Europe, North and South America
Why is homosexuality illegal in terms of religion?
Many religions condemn homosexuality
Why is homosexuality illegal in terms of pubic opinion?
Some countries have high levels of support for a ban on homosexuality
Reason homosexuality is illegal in terms of sexism
Make homosexuality being outlaws in more countries may reflect sexist attitudes about women not being able to be attracted to member of the same sex
What is Adultery?
A sexual act between two people, one or both of whom are married to someone else
Where is adultery a crime?
Many Muslim countries, some Christian African countries, 21 US states
Where is adultery legal?
Most countries, including the UK and India
Why is adultery illegal in terms of religion?
Many religions condemn adultery- this can influence law-making
Why is adultery illegal in terms of women’s position?
Many countries where women occupy a subordinate position have unequal laws which forbid adultery
Polygyny
When a man have more than one wife at a time
Polyandry
When a woman has more than one husband at a tine
Bigamy
An offence in the UK- being married to more than one person at the same time. Punishable by up to 7 years in prison or a fine or both
