2.3 Describe Sociological theories of criminality Flashcards
How does Merton’s Strain Theory influence policy?
It suggests reducing social inequality through policies like higher minimum wages and job opportunities.
What is a criticism of using sociological theories in policy?
Long-term social change takes time and does not immediately reduce crime rates.
What is an example of a sociological-based crime prevention policy?
Early intervention programs, like Sure Start, which support disadvantaged families to prevent youth crime.
How do sociological theories shape crime policies?
They lead to social reform policies, such as poverty reduction, education programs, and community policing.
What do sociological theories of criminality focus on?
They suggest that crime is influenced by society, environment, and social structures, rather than biology or individual psychology.
How does Marxism explain crime?
Crime is caused by capitalism, which creates inequality and encourages greed and competition.
According to Marxists, who benefits from the law?
The ruling class (bourgeoisie) – Laws protect their wealth, while crimes of the working class (proletariat) are punished more harshly.
What is an example of laws favoring the ruling class?
Corporate crimes (e.g., fraud) are often punished less severely than working-class crimes (e.g., theft).
What is a criticism of the Marxist view?
It ignores non-economic crimes, such as violent crimes committed for personal reasons rather than financial gain.
How does Functionalism explain crime?
Crime is necessary for society because it reinforces norms and values, and can lead to positive social change.
What did Durkheim say about crime?
Crime is inevitable and can be functional by strengthening social bonds and encouraging law changes.
What is anomie, according to Durkheim?
A state of normlessness, where social rules break down, leading to higher crime rates.
What is a criticism of Durkheim’s theory?
It doesn’t explain why individuals commit crimes, only why crime exists in society.
What does Merton’s Strain Theory suggest?
People commit crime when they cannot achieve society’s goals (e.g., wealth) through legitimate means.
What are the five responses to strain in Merton’s theory?
1.Conformity – Accept the goals and work hard
2.Innovation – Use crime to achieve success
3.Ritualism – Give up on success but follow rules
4.Retreatism – Reject both goals and rules (e.g., drug addicts)
5.Rebellion – Create new goals and means (e.g., revolutionaries)
What is a criticism of Strain Theory?
It does not explain why some people facing strain choose crime while others do not.
What do subcultural theories suggest?
Some groups develop deviant values that encourage crime as an alternative to mainstream success.
What did Cohen’s Status Frustration Theory propose?
Working-class boys struggle to achieve in school, so they reject mainstream values and create delinquent subcultures.
What did Cloward and Ohlin suggest about subcultures?
Different subcultures lead to different types of crime:
Criminal subcultures – Organized crime (e.g., gangs)
Conflict subcultures – Violence due to lack of opportunity
Retreatist subcultures – Drug use when both success and crime fail
What is a criticism of subcultural theories?
Not all working-class people join gangs or commit crimes.
What does Labelling Theory (Becker) suggest?
Crime is not inherent, but socially constructed when people are labelled as “criminals.”
What is the self-fulfilling prophecy?
When someone is labelled as a criminal, they may accept the label and continue committing crime.
What is an example of labelling leading to crime?
Young offenders who are labelled as “troublemakers” may struggle to find jobs and turn to crime.
What is a criticism of Labelling Theory?
It does not explain why people commit crimes in the first place.
