AC2.3 Flashcards
What do sociological theories of criminality emphasize?
Social factors play a decisive part in crime.
Name the main sociological explanations of crime discussed.
- Functionalist theories
- Subcultural theories
- Theories of crime and surveillance
- Interactionism and labelling theory
- Marxist theory of crime and law
- Left and right realist
What do structural theories focus on?
The structure of society and how it is organised.
According to structural theories, what causes crime?
The underlying structure of society.
Who is a key figure associated with functionalist theory?
Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)
How do functionalists view society?
As a stable structure based on shared norms, values, and beliefs.
What does Durkheim believe produces social solidarity?
Shared norms, values, and beliefs about right and wrong.
What is Durkheim’s view on crime?
Some crime is inevitable in every society.
What does Durkheim mean by ‘anomie’?
Normlessness where shared norms become weakened.
What are the functions of crime according to Durkheim?
- Boundary maintenance
- Social reaction uniting society against wrongdoers
- Reaffirming shared rules
True or False: Functionalist theories argue that crime is completely avoidable.
False
What is deviance in the context of societal norms?
Deviation from established norms and values
Initially perceived as deviance, actions that challenge societal norms can lead to social change.
Who was Nelson Mandela, and what was he jailed for?
Opposing apartheid in South Africa
Mandela was jailed for his activism against racial segregation.
What significant event occurred in South Africa in 1994?
Nelson Mandela was elected as the first Black president
This marked the end of apartheid in South Africa.
What does the ‘safety valve’ concept imply in relation to deviance?
Prostitution acts to release men’s sexual frustrations without threatening the nuclear family
This perspective suggests that certain forms of deviance can serve a purpose in society.
What is a ‘warning light’ in the context of deviance?
Indicates that an institution isn’t functioning properly
For example, high truancy rates may signal issues within the education system.
What label was given to Mandela by a South African court in 1963?
Terrorist
This label was a reflection of the political climate at the time.
What is Merton’s strain theory?
The root cause of crime lies in the unequal structure of society
Merton’s theory focuses on how societal goals and means can lead to deviance.
What does Merton mean by ‘blocked opportunities’?
Not everyone has equal chances to achieve success legitimately
This is often due to factors like poverty and inadequate education.
List the four deviant ways of adapting to strain according to Merton.
- Innovation
- Ritualism
- Retreatism
- Rebellion
Each adaptation reflects a different response to societal goals and means.
What is the definition of ‘innovation’ in Merton’s strain theory?
Accepting societal goals but finding illegal means to achieve them
Innovators typically come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
What does ‘ritualism’ refer to in Merton’s theory?
Giving up on striving for success and continuing in a dead-end job
Ritualists conform to societal norms but abandon the pursuit of goals.
Define ‘retreatism’ according to Merton.
Rejecting both societal goals and means
Includes individuals like vagrants, drunkards, and drug addicts.
What does ‘rebellion’ mean in the context of Merton’s strain theory?
Rejecting existing goals and means and replacing them with new ones
Rebels aim to change society, often seen in political radicals and alternative cultures.
What are delinquent subcultures?
Groups whose norms and values are deviant
These subcultures often arise in response to societal strain.
What is status frustration according to Albert Cohen?
A feeling of worthlessness experienced by lower classes due to failure to achieve legitimate means.
What type of crimes does Cohen focus on?
Non-utilitarian crimes such as vandalism.
How does Cohen view subcultural deviance?
As a group response to failure, not just an individual one.
What alternative does the subculture provide for working-class boys?
An alternative status hierarchy.
What happens to most working-class boys in the school’s status hierarchy?
They end up at the bottom and are regarded as ‘thick’ by teachers.
How do boys gain respect from their peers according to Cohen?
Through delinquent actions that invert society’s values.
What are the three subcultures identified by Cloward and Ohlin?
- Criminal subcultures
- Conflict subcultures
- Retreatist subcultures
What characterizes criminal subcultures?
They arise in areas with a longstanding professional criminal network.
What is the focus of retreatist subcultures?
Made up of dropouts who have failed in both legitimate and illegitimate opportunity structures.
What do interactionists believe about social interactions?
They are based on meanings or labels created through interactions.
What does labelling theory state?
No act is deviant or criminal in itself; it becomes so when rules are created and applied.
What determines whether an act is considered a crime according to labelling theory?
Society’s decisions to make laws and apply them.
What is differential enforcement of the law?
The law is enforced more against certain groups than others.
What factors did Piliavin and Briar find influenced police decisions to arrest?
- Manner
- Dress
- Gender
- Class
- Ethnicity
- Time and place
True or False: Interactionists believe that crime and criminals are social constructs.
True
Fill in the blank: According to Cohen, delinquent actions allow boys to win respect from their peers by _______.
[vandalising property]
