2.3

Question 1

durkheim

Answer 1

sees society as a stable structure based on shared norms, values, and beliefs about right and wrong. argues that some crime is inevitable; in every society some individuals are inadequately socialised and likely to deviate.

Question 2

merton’s strain theory

Answer 2

root cause of crime=unequal structure of society. wealth= main goal to pursue. Opportunities for working-class people=blocked by poverty and inadequate schools. This creates a strain between the goal society says they should achieve and the lack of legitimate means to do so = causes crime and deviance.

Question 3

subcultures

Answer 3

minority part of a majority culture; have distinct norms and values= subsection of society. concept is seen to reflect the changing nature of society. Delinquent subcultures= groups whose norms and values are deviant. These enable their members to gain status by illegitimate means.

Question 4

subcultures: cohen-status frustration

Answer 4

teachers regarding students as ‘thick’= feeling of worthlessness. subculture offers solution-alternative status hierarchy=they can win respect from their peers through delinquent actions, which inverts society’s values.

Question 5

labelling theory

Answer 5

interactionists see our interactions as based on meanings or labels. social control agencies give this label=differencial enforcement. this results in SFP.

Question 6

marxism

Answer 6

argue that the unequal structure of capitalist society shapes people’s behaviour and this includes criminal behaviour and how society deals with it.

Question 7

capitalism causes crime

Answer 7

crime is inevitable in capitalist society- capitalism is criminogenic. inequality causes feelings of frustration+alienation =utilitarian crimes

Question 8

right realism

Answer 8

have a right wing, conservative political outlook. practical solutions to reduce crime= punishment

Question 9

RR- biological differences

Answer 9

biological differences make some individuals more likely to commit crime. Personality traits associated with criminality, such as aggressiveness, risk taking, or low intelligence are innate.

Question 10

RR- offending is a rational choice

Answer 10

we are rational beings= free will. Deciding to commit crime is a choice (rational calculation) If rewards outweigh risks, people are more likely to offend. RR argue- crime rate is high because of the perceived costs of crime are low. Criminals see little risk of being caught; do not expect bad punishment even if they are convicted.

Question 11

RR- inadequate socialisation

Answer 11

reduce offending by teaching self control and values. nuclear family= best agency of socialisation. Murray- undermined by welfare benefits. increase of lone parent families

Question 12

left realism

Answer 12

see inequality as root cause of crime. main victims are WC, ethnic minorities and women. police take crimes against these groups less seriously.
aim: reduce crime= making society fairer and more equal.

Question 13

LR- relative deprivation

Answer 13

lea and young= 2 factors that inc this are: media urging everyone to aspire to material possessions,and society becoming more unequal to unemployment and low pay.

Question 14

LR- subculture

Answer 14

solving relative deprivation- some turn to crime as legitimate opportunities are blocked. some are denied access to well paid jobs due to discrimination or education

Question 15

LR- marginalisation

Answer 15

lack organisations to represent their interests and lack clearly defined goals e.g.- unemployed youth = powerlessness= crime