AC2.3 AND AC3.2

Question 1

What are the two main classes identified in Marxist theory?

Answer 1

Bourgeoisie (rich, upper class) and proletariat (working class)

Question 2

According to Marxists, why is crime considered inevitable in a capitalist society?

Answer 2

Because it is used by the bourgeoisie as a form of social control

Question 3

What economic condition contributes to crime among the proletariat?

Answer 3

Low wages

Question 4

How do bourgeoisie consumer goods influence crime rates among the proletariat?

Answer 4

The bourgeoisie push consumer goods, leading the proletariat to commit crime for survival

Question 5

Who makes the laws in a capitalist society according to Marxism?

Answer 5

The bourgeoisie

Question 6

What is a strength of the Marxist perspective on crime?

Answer 6

It highlights how the Criminal Justice System favours the bourgeoisie

Question 7

What is a weakness of the Marxist perspective on crime?

Answer 7

It struggles to explain non-economic crime

Question 8

Fill in the blank: Marxists struggle to explain why not all _______ commit crime.

Answer 8

working-class people

Question 9

What is Durkheim’s view on crime in society?

Answer 9

‘Crime is an inevitable part of any society.’

Question 10

What are the three positive functions of crime according to Durkheim?

Answer 10

• Boundary maintenance
• Social change
• Social cohesion

Question 11

What does boundary maintenance refer to in Durkheim’s theory?

Answer 11

Criminals are made an example out of to reaffirm societal boundaries.

Question 12

How does Durkheim believe crime contributes to social change?

Answer 12

Society needs people to commit some crimes so it can progress.

Question 13

What role does crime play in social cohesion according to Durkheim?

Answer 13

Society pulls together after a horrific crime like rape.

Question 14

What is a strength of crime in society according to Durkheim?

Answer 14

Witnessing someone being made an example out of can often prevent more crime from happening.

Question 15

What is a weakness of Durkheim’s theory on crime?

Answer 15

Does not explain how crime is functional.

Question 16

What aspect of crime does Durkheim’s theory overlook?

Answer 16

Victims of the crimes.

Question 17

What does Merton believe society encourages people to strive for?

Answer 17

The American Dream

This includes having a good house, nice car, and disposable income.

Question 18

What are the five reactions to blocked opportunities according to Merton?

Answer 18

• Conformity
• Innovation
• Ritualism
• Rebellion
• Retreatism

Question 19

What is conformity in Merton’s theory?

Answer 19

Having the means to achieve goals legitimately and not committing crime.

Question 20

What does innovation entail in Merton’s theory?

Answer 20

Rejecting norms and values while accepting cultural goals and criminality.

Question 21

Define ritualism in Merton’s theory.

Answer 21

Accepting norms and values but rejecting cultural goals and criminality.

Question 22

What is rebellion in Merton’s theory?

Answer 22

Accepting and rejecting norms, values, and criminality.

Question 23

What does retreatism mean in Merton’s theory?

Answer 23

Rejecting norms and values while accepting criminality and replacing cultural goals and institutional means.

Question 24

What is a strength of Merton’s theory?

Answer 24

Criminal and non-criminal behaviour originate from the same goals.

Question 25

What is a weakness of Merton's theory?

Answer 25

It overpredicts working-class crime and assumes society shares the same goals.

Question 26

What is the main assertion of interactionism in relation to deviance?

Answer 26

It is not the act that is deviant, it is society's reaction to it. Crime is socially constructed ## Footnote This perspective emphasizes the role of social context in defining deviance.

Question 27

Who proposed the labelling theory?

Answer 27

Becker ## Footnote Becker's labelling theory highlights how labels can influence an individual's self-identity.

Question 28

What is a self-fulfilling prophecy in the context of labelling theory?

Answer 28

When someone is labelled, they will live up to the label until it is how they associate themselves (master status) ## Footnote This concept indicates that labels can shape individuals' behavior and identity.

Question 29

How does the media contribute to deviance according to interactionism?

Answer 29

The media demonises labelled groups leading to typifications, stereotypes, and moral panics ## Footnote This can amplify societal reactions and perceptions of deviance.

Question 30

What is one strength of interactionism?

Answer 30

Shows how the law is made by people and can be influenced ## Footnote This highlights the subjective nature of legal definitions.

Question 31

What is another strength of interactionism?

Answer 31

Shows how attempts to control deviance causes more deviance ## Footnote This suggests that societal reactions can exacerbate deviant behavior.

Question 32

What is a weakness of interactionism regarding crime?

Answer 32

Fails to explain why someone commits crime before they are labelled ## Footnote This indicates a gap in understanding the origins of deviant behavior.

Question 33

What cannot be proven according to the weaknesses of labelling theory?

Answer 33

Labelling, self-fulfilling prophecy and master status cannot be proven ## Footnote This raises questions about the empirical validity of these concepts.