AC 1.2 - Explain The Social Construction Of Criminality Flashcards
What is social construction?
Refers to something that has been made or defined by society rather than occurring naturally
Therefore, we as a society, define crime
What is polygamy?
The practice of having more than one wife or one husband at the same time
What is polygny?
When a man may have two or more wives
What is polyandry?
When a women may have two or more husbands
Is polygamy legal in the uk?
No
Where is polygamy legal?
Polygamy is legal in 58 countries, but polyandry is confined to just a handful of societies
Indie, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka allow polygamous marriages but for Muslims only
Where is polygamy illegal?
It is a crime in Turkey and Tunisia
Uk- can be convicted of bigamy (7 years imprisonment, fine or both)
Polygamy
• Why does the law vary in different cultures?
• Religion- the qur’an permits Muslim men to take up to four wives. The women church in the USA practiced polygamy until 1890
• Tradition- Traditionally practiced in some African societies, has declined in recent decades
What is adultery?
Involves a sexual act between two people, one or both whom is married to another person
What counts as a ‘sexual act’ may vary between cultures or states
Is adultery legal in the uk?
Yes
Where is adultery legal?
• Uk
• India ceased to be a crime in 2018
Where is adultery illegal?
• Philippines
• Taiwan
• 21 US states
Punishments vary from stoning to a fine to death
Adultery
• Why does the law vary in different cultures?
Religion- most religions condemn adultery, countries where religion influences law making have made it illegal
The position of women- laws condemning adultery are often found in societies where women occupy a very subordinate position
What is homosexuality?
The quality or characteristics of being sexually or romantically attracted exclusively to people of one’s own sex or gender
Sexual acts between members of the same sex are treated as crimes in a number of countries
Is homosexuality legal in the UK?
Yes
Where is homosexuality legal?
• Uk
• Europe
• Indonesia
Where is homosexuality illegal?
Male homosexuality
- 72 countries
Female homosexuality
- 45 countries
In 6 countries, conviction can result in the death penalty
• Iran
• Saudi Arabia
• Yemen
Why does the law vary in different cultures?
• Homosexuality
Religion- Many religions, including Christianity, Islam and Judaism have traditionally condemned homosexuality
What is the definition of cannabis?
Laws on cannabis vary widely between different societies
Generally possession is treated more leniently than growing, importing or supplying cannabis
Is cannabis legal in the uk?
No
Where is cannabis legal?
Canada and Uruguay have legalised sale for recreational use
Portugal has decriminalised possession for personal use
Where is cannabis illegal?
Uk- possession can be punished by up to 5 years imprisonment
Supply- 14 years
Why does the law vary in different cultures?
• Cannabis
Different norms and values- societies with greater emphasis on individual freedoms may see drug use as victimless or as an individuals right
Different ideas about how to control drug use- tough stance or decimalisation
