Chapter 6 Flashcards
Social Structure Theories (main for chapter)
the view that the disadvantaged economic class is a primary cause of crime.
SOCIAL DISORGANIZATION THEORY
Branch of social structure theory: focuses on the breakdown of institutions such as the family, school, and employment in inner-city neighbourhoods
CULTURAL DEVIANCE THEORY
Branch of Social structure theory: sees strain and social disorganization together resulting in a unique lower class culture that conflicts with conventional social norms
Anomie Theory
view that anomie results when socially defined goals such as wealth and power are universally mandated but access to legitimate means such as education and job opportunities, is stratified by class and status
Institutional Anomie Theory
Anomie pervades modern culture because the drive for material wealth dominates and undermines social and community values
General Strain Theory
Multiple sources of strain interact with an individual’s emotional traits and responses to produce criminality
Social Ecology Thoery
Conflicts and problems of urban social life and communities, including fear, unemployment, deterioration, and seige mentality, influence crime rates
Shaw and McKay’s concentric zone theory
Crime is a product of transitional neighbourhoods that manifest social disorganization and value conflict
Relative Deprivation Theory
Crime Occurs when the wealthy and poor live close to one another
Miller’s focal concern theory
Citizens who obey the street rules of lower class life find themselves in conflict with the dominant culture
Cohen’s theory of delinquent gangs
Status frustration of lower class boys created by their failure to achieve middle class success causes them to join gangs
Cloward and Ohlin’s theory of opportunity
Blockage of conventional opportunities causes lower class youths to join criminal, conflict, or retreatist gangs
