3.2 - evaluation of sociological theories - strain theory

Question 1

Give 4 strengths for the strain theory

Answer 1

1) Explains crime patterns -> high poverty (wealth motive)

2) Explains norms and deviant behaviour. -> different means dependent on their position in the social structure of society

3)explains why working class crime rates may be higher than other classes

4)it explains crime and deviance as a result of the strain

4)

Question 2

Give 4 weakness of the strain theory

Answer 2

1) Ignores the crime of the wealthy

2)ignores group response as it’s individualistic

3)ignores crime with no economic motive.

4)deterministic as not all working class indivifuals resort to crime

Question 3

strengths of the strain theory:

-> explains _____ ____ = ____ is high
-> ______ + ______ = due to different ____

Answer 3

explains crime patterns = poverty is high
norms and deviance due to different means

Question 4

weaknesses of the strain theory

ignores ______ _____
ignores _____ ____
ignores crime with no ____ motive

Answer 4

ignores wealthy crime
ignores group responses
ignores crimes with no economic motive

Question 5

List the 2 strengths of the subculture theory

Answer 5

1) cloward and ohlin sucessfully explained that = different neighbourhoods = different

1 -illegilimate opportunities
2 -subcultures

2)subcultures perform a function for their members

Question 6

List the 3 weaknesses of the subculture theory

Answer 6

1) crime is a fail to meet the goal may not always be the case

2)subcultures aren’t as ‘clean’ some may overlap

3)Ignores the crime of the wealthy