Chapter 2 Flashcards
What are objectivist theories?
Assume that there is something that differentiate deviants from non-deviants. Basically expand on why some people are deviant and some people are not?
What are the three objectivist theories?
Functionalist theories, learning theories, social control theories
What did Lombroso believe of deviant people in his biological theorization?
Believed criminals were less evolved, facial features were slopped and messed up and stuff
What was Sheldon’s take on body types for biological theorization?
We can divide people in to three body shapes. Meso (middle) was more inclined to commit crime, Endo (shortest) was happiest, Ecto (tallest, skinniest) usually associated with drug use, tend to be anxious
What does the Evolutionary model of Deviance say?
Men are believed to be more aggressive and antisocial because they need to increase mating opportunities. Women are less aggressive nd risk-taking because they need to take care of children. In essence, it makes sense why men are more inclined to participate in criminal activity.
What is the main idea behind functionalist theories and what are the core assumptions?
The social structure creates deviance. Core assumptions: 1. social structures fulfill functions 2. Society is based on consensus 3. Concern with maintaining the social order
What was Emile Durkheim’s theory?
Anomie theory: social instability resulting from a breakdown of societal standards and values. Anomie is the opposite of social cohesion - it can occur at both the social and individual level. In other words, post industrial society went from mechanical solidarity to organic solidarity; increasing emphasis on individualism.
What did Durkheim believe about deviance?
deviance was “normal” because no society was free of deviance. Argued that some crime was functional for society as it increased social cohesion.
How was deviance characterized as functional by Durkheim?
- Criminal Courts as spectacles; to increase social solidarity and reaffirm social values. 2. System processing of crime allows for societal change; deviant –> courts –> change of law
What was Robert Merton’s theory?
Strain Theory! North American society is in a state of anomie; there is a strain from the distance between the goals and the means of achieving them; the reason we’re in anomie is because we’re focused on money and monetary success, and very few of us can achieve it.
What are the components of Merton’s Strain theory?
Institutionalized Goals: goals that are culturally exalted (wealth, power/status)
Legitimate Means: socially acceptable ways of attaining the institutionalized goals in society
Explain Cloward and Ohlin’s theory
Differential Opportunity Theory: focused on differential illegitimate opportunity - some poor people lack legitimate AND illegitimate means to achieve goals, so they have double failures (may end up as drug users or sex workers)
Explain Robert Agnew’s Theory
General Strain Theory: Argued that Merton was too focused on economy as only source of strain. Said Strain results from different sources: 1. being blocked from positively valued goals 2. actual or anticipated loss of something valuable
3. actual anticipated presentation of noxious stimuli
Basically stress comes from from daily hassles!
Explain Albert Cohen’s theory
Status frustration theory: the structure of society is reproduced in the classroom. Suggests the education system is based on middle class values (ex. delayed gratification). Lower class boys engage in: Mutual formation - kids get together and develop a common identity. Reaction formation - stop caring as a group
What are social learning theories?
Conditioning theories: classical and operant. Modeling/ imitation theory. Differential association theory. Neutralization theory.
