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
