ac2.2 key terms Flashcards
THEORY
labelling theory
crime is subjective, acts are labelled as criminal or deviant and then punished according to labels. if someone internalises the label it can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy
THEORY
behaviour modification
pos and neg reinforcement is used in and out of prison to promote pos behaviour. token economies are used in prison to reward good and punish bad behaviour
THEORY
social learning theory
people work by watching others. if children see adults getting rewarded through crime, they repeat the behaviour. if they see punishment, they reject it. the bobo doll experiment helped prove this
THEORY
functionalism
functionalists believe that crime is inevitable/functional. it can lead to social change, e.g. changes in the law on homosexuality. it only becomes dysfunctional when there is too much crime
THEORY
marxism
crime is inevitable in a capitalist society. crime is used by the ruling class as a means of social control. crimes committed by the rich are ignored whereas street crimes committed by the poor are heavily policed
THEORY
left realism
inequalities created by capitalism create crime. we need practical solutions such as increased jobs and education
THEORY
right realism
everyone is tempted by crime, but social bonds stop us. if the bonds break this leads to crime. crime is due to inadequate social control, so we should be tough on crime
PUNISHMENT
community sentence
can be a combination order, e.g. unpaid work, a curfew, drug treatment and testing
PUNISHMENT
fines
depends on the financial circumstances of the offender and the seriousness of the offence
PUNISHMENT
conditional discharge
if the defendant reoffends during this time (up to 3 years) then they can get a different sentence
PUNISHMENT
absolute discharge
no penalty is imposed, the defendant is guilty but morally blameless
PUNISHMENT
custodial sentences
mandatory and discretionary life sentences. fixed term and indeterminate sentences. suspended sentences
