Ch 12 - Sociological Approaches Flashcards
Chicago School
The first school of sociology in the US. Contributed to social disorganization theory, cultural transmission theory, differential association theory, subcultural theory, the sociology of deviance, + symbolic interactionism.
Anomie
A term used to describe periods of lawlessness, normlessness, + unrestrained choice, or a breakdown in social solidarity.
Functionalism
In sociology, the idea that society is comparable to a functioning organism, w/ interrelated parts + structures to ensure that the parts work together; functionalists believe that society is based on consensus (shared values, beliefs), not conflict.
Social Disorganization Theory
The theory that a breakdown of networks, norms, + trust that facilitate coordination + cooperation among residents of neighbourhoods can lead to greater crime + violence.
Differential Association Theory
Theory that criminal behaviour is learned through the process of social interaction, + that the process includes the learning of criminal skills, motivations, attitudes, + rationalizations.
Symbolic Interactionism
The notion that meaning + reality are socially constructed through the use/sharing of gestures, symbols, or words, which are themselves socially created symbols that convey socially agreed-upon meanings.
Neutralization
The notion that criminals learn motivations + rationalizations to justify their criminal behaviour.(extension of Sutherland’s differential association theory)
Sociology of Deviance
Blends Chicago School symbolic interactionism w/ views on how crime + deviance are used to maintain social boundaries +/ social control; it examines how certain groups or behaviours come to be viewed as social problems.
Labelling Theory
The theory that the stigma affixed through the criminalization process may lead individuals to develop a deviant self-image, + feel separate from the “normal” community, + thus continue w/ deviant behaviour.
Moral Panic
Phenomena, socially constructed by the media, politicians, + moral entrepreneurs, in which certain people or groups are labelled/stigmatized as the cause of a perceived social problem, resulting in widespread public alarm.
Anomie-Strain Theory
Merton’s theory describing the state of anomie in American society caused by the dysfunction b/w the cultural goals of the “American Dream” + the institutional means to achieve those goals.
Cultural Transmission Theory
The Chicago School notion that criminal subcultures develop their own subcultural values/ norms, which are then transmitted from gang member to gang member, + from generation to generation.
General Strain Theory
Explains delinquent acts by teens from relatively affluent families; teens have more immediate strains than adults, such as physical appearance, popularity, parental discipline, academic performance, + peer pressure to join gangs + participate in delinquent behaviour.
Institutional-Anomie Theory
Theory that institutional imbalance (anomie) is caused by the cultural goals of capitalist society, + the failure of social institutions to properly integrate + regulate the pursuit of those goals.
Social Learning Theory
Definitions (values about acceptable + unacceptable behaviour) favourable to criminal behaviour are learned through differential reinforcement. Criminal behaviour depends on reward/punishment for past behaviour + anticipated consequences of persistence.
