2.3 Describe sociological theories of crime Flashcards
What are the Marxist views on criminality?
Belive that crime is inevitable in a capitalist society, used by the bourgeoisie as social control. Systems such as police and the justice system encourage conformity.
Argue that different social classes are policed differently- proletariats assumed to be more criminal. Govermnent fabricate statistic to push agendas
What is Durkheim’s ‘Crime as a function’ Theory?
Suggests that crime is inevitable as not everyone is socialised to the values and beliefs of society. Crime is considered functional, and is only dysfunctional when the rate is too high or low.
Crime strengthens the willingness of society to cooperate with each other. Maintains boundaries and reinforces general values
What is Merton’s Strain Theory?
Argues that society encourages us to want materialistic success, but society does not provide equal means to achieve this
What is the theory of Interactionalism?
Referring to how people in society to react to one another. Believe that crime is a social construction, and that because crime is subjective, police and judges label acts as criminal or deviant
moral panics and self fulfilling prophecies are a part of interactionalism
Labelling theory
What is the Theory of Left Realism?
Suggests that crime is created by a capitalist society. Capitalism encourages consumption but doesn’t give everyone the means to achieve this.
What is the Theory of Right Realism?
Crime from the conservative perspective- and ‘getting tough on crime’
Right realists state that everyone is tempted to commit crime but the social bonds prevent us from doing so-
development of the underclass, such as young boys being raised without a father, so they commit crime to prove that they are men.
Strengths of Left Realism:
Avoids conflict between left and right ideals by neither attacking or glorifying the police
Recognises multiple causes of crime
Weaknesses of Left Realism:
Fails to explain white collar or corporate crime- as surely they have thrived under capitalism
Doesn’t explain why people in relative deprivation do not turn to crime
Strength of Right Realism:
Has helped and produce governmental research into crime
Offers a practical approach into tackling crime.
Weaknesses of Right Realism:
Ignores the increasing gap between rich and poor, which is causing resentment.
Too readily accepts crime statistics
Ignores wider structural causes such as poverty
Strengths of Interactionalism- labelling theory:
Shows how law is enforced in a discriminatory way
Highlights the role of the media in creating deviance and moral panics
Weaknesses of Interactionalism- labelling theory:
Fails to explain pre-existing deviance
Ignores the victim of the crime and instead focuses of the ‘criminal’
Criminals do not need the label in order to commit the act, or know that they are in the wrong.
