AC 3.2 - Behavioural Tactics in achieving Social Control

Question 1

Why are behavioural tactics used? (1 point)

Answer 1

• Used by agencies to change a person’s behaviour to make them more socially complaint

Question 2

What are ASBOs? (3 points)

Answer 2

• Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (introduced in 1998) to limit & correct low-level anti-social behaviour, which often involved swearing & drinking
• However, ASBOs came with controversy and many critics suggested persistent offenders viewed them as desirable and a ‘badge of honour’
• They were regularly breached and, according to the civil rights group - Liberty, 55% of ASBOs were breached in 2009

Question 3

What were ASBOs replaced with? And describe them (4 points)

Answer 3

• Criminal Behaviour Orders
• The CBO is available under the Anti-social, Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (2014)
• Used against anti-social offenders who have committed behaviour that caused harassment, alarm & distress (same test)
• Under the order, individuals would be banned from taking part in certain activities or certain places, and would be required to try change their behaviour - e.g. by attending a drug treatment programme (main difference)

Question 4

What are the Strengths of ASBOs? (2 points)

Answer 4

• Displays there is punishment for even the most minor offences (Proportionality)
• Can now implement various programmes that help combat root causes (E.G: drug treatment)

Question 5

What are the Limitations of ASBOs? (3 points)

Answer 5

• Between 2000-2013: 58% of ASBOs were breached
• Labelling theorists argue that the label of having an ASBO can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the individual internalises the label
• ASBOs became a ’badge of honour’ for some young offenders, reinforcing rather than reducing their behaviour

Question 6

How do ASBOs help achieve Social Control? (1 point)

Answer 6

• ASBOs can work as a form of physical coercion, as the individual’s behaviour is restricted by the conditions they must meet (i.e. only meeting certain people) which controls their behaviour, forcing them to conform

Question 7

What are Token Economics? (3 points)

Answer 7

• A form of behaviour modification that increases desirable behaviour & decreases undesirable behaviour - with the use of tokens
• These tokens can be exchanged for a certain object or privilege
• Utilises operant conditioning through rewarding positive behaviour & punishing negative behaviour

Question 8

What is the Example for Token Economies? (2 points)

Answer 8

Feltham Young Offenders Institute:

• The boys were given merits for good behaviour, which they could then exchange for sweets & chocolate in an on-site merit shop
• Their behaviour changed drastically, as they were seen displaying far more pro-social behaviours - with an 80% reduction of assaults on staff members

Question 9

What are the Strengths for Token Economies? (3 points)

Answer 9

• Field (2004): TEs have a largely positive effect on young people’s behaviour
• Outlines what is right/wrong behaviour in society - positive boundary maintenance
• Tokens can be given in proportion: i.e. a highly desirable behaviour = more tokens’

Question 10

What are the Limitations of Token Economies? (3 points)

Answer 10

• Relies on motivation & effort from prisoners to properly work
• Tokens need to be carefully monitored, otherwise may become tradable between prisoners - could cause disputes
• Success rate is inconsistent, as there are many extraneous variables that impact effectiveness

Question 11

How do Token Economies help achieve Social Control? (2 points)

Answer 11

• TEs promote law-abiding behaviour through positive rewards for positive behaviour, and punishing negative behaviour
• This helps to reform & rehabilitate individuals into functioning members of society after internalising its values