Chapter 1 The Study of Crime Flashcards
Considers the social aspects and the institution of law
Sociology of law
Three primary focus areas in Criminology
- Sociology of law
- Theories of crime causation
- Social responses to crime
Police, Courts and corrections are aspects of:
The Judicial System
A term coined by Stanley Cohen in 1972, suggests overreaction to forms of deviance perceived to threaten moral order. Usually created or fanned by the media and led by community groups or leaders who’s goals are to change laws or practices
Moral Panic
- Media portrayals influence how members of society perceive a crime.
People share similar values and beliefs within society- those perceived as deviant are ostracised or encouraged back.
Geometric Circle.
Society is viewed as a hierarchy with the emphasis on social class (inequality) hence opposing groups with opposing ideas
The Triangle
Society consists of interrelated institutions (family, work, school). The focus is not with values (circle) rather the smoothing running of the interrelated institutions
The Rectangle or Square
Focus on individuals and how one constructs his/her reality (subjective). How one perceives him/herself impacts how he/she interacts
The Non- Geometric Forms
The Three major paradigms in criminology
- The (right) conservative approach
- The (center) liberal approach
- Radical (left) perspective
Supports the status quo
The conservative approach
Accepts the limitations of the status quo, encourages minor changes within social institutions
The Liberal Approach
Rejects the legitimacy of the status quo, social conflict is the primary concern with the emphasis on class, ethnicity, gender divisions
The Radial Perspective.