ac2.3 Flashcards
What is sociological theories?
the idea that the main cause of crime is social factors/society
What are the different sociological theories?
Functionalism sub-cultural theories Marxism interactionist (labelling theory) Realism (left and right)
What is functionalism? And who is the founder?
founder= Durkheim
Suggested everything in society has a function
Summary of Durkheim’s theory?
- Argued crime is inevitable normal and necessary
- inevitable because we are exposed to different circumstances
Five positive functions of crime (Durkheim)
- society of saints
- boundary maintenance
- adaption and change (social change)
- safety value
- warning light
five positive functions of crime EXPLAINED
- No crime= high standards
- reinforces norms
- sometimes we need change
- releases stress
- acts as a warning device to show something isn’t working
Who suggested the sub-cultural theory?
Merton- strain theory
What is Merton’s strain theory?
he argued positions in society affect the way people respond
What is the american dream?
cultural goal of money/success/joy
Describe the 5 points in the strain theory
- conformity= accept goals+means
- innovation=accept goals not means
- ritualism=no goals accepts means
- retreatism=given up
- rebellion= replace goals/means
What is Marxism?
crime is caused by capitalism
What is capitalism?
economic system in which productions of goods are all profit
What is criminogenic?
It makes crime inevitable
What did Karl Marx suggest?
Marxism- rich=power=exploits poor
crime= economic deprivation
what did Gordon argue?
that capitalism causes class inequalities e.g. wealth, income, poverty, unemployment+homelessness
