Crime and Deviance Flashcards

Question

FUNCTIONALIST View of The Media

Answer 1

Functionalists argue that the media can play a positive role in crime. The media is important in reminding people of right from wrong. Some crimes shock us into remembering what is appropriate within society. Punishments are also reported - this could deter others.

Answer 2

CASE STUDY Cohen found that the disturbances between mods and rockers were sensationalised by the media to make the subcultures seem more attractive; people joined in the hope of causing more disruption. This group of people were considered to be 'FOLK DEVILS'.

Answer 3

Boys are socialised to be dominant, active, aggressive and to take risks. Girls are socialised to be obedient, gentle and caring. The MEDIA provide all-action role models for boys.

Answer 4

Heidensohn argues that women live in a male-dominated world and conform more to society's expectations; women behave in a certain manner and are controlled by societal standards to fit into society - this is known as 'Female Conformity.' Heidensohn argues that girls are given less freedom by their parents; they're controlled by their husbands in their adult lives.

Answer 5

Feminists argue further, stating that the extra social control placed on women is a part of the patriarchal world. Women can be sanctioned by gossip when acting deviantly, may be labelled as a 'bitch' or a 'slapper'.

Answer 6

POVERTY AND A LACK OF QUALIFICATIONS Ethnic minorities typically come from a poorer background and so tend to have poorer qualifications - they may turn to crime as a result of status frustration. RACISM Paul Gilroy suggests the police primarily focus on catching black people and that they are institutionally racist. SCAPEGOATING Black people are scapegoated to draw attention away from other bigger problems in society (Marxists argue this is capitalistic problems). (STUART HALL) DIFFERENT NORMS AND VALUES Ethnic minorities may have norms + values that go against the typical norms of mainstream society - this may lead to criminal or deviant behaviour being committed due to cultural differences.

Answer 7

POVERTY There is more crime recorded in deprived areas. Certain ethnic minorities are more likely to live in deprived areas. RACISM Ethnic minorities may be victims of race related crime.

Answer 8

-Women are treated worse by the judiciary and the police in comparison to men; the institutions of social control enforce the demonisation of women.

Answer 9

-Marxists believe that the police are less severe on recording corporate crime or white collar cime compared to street crime or working class crime.

Answer 10

-Women may not report a rape or sexual assault as they worry they wont be taken seriously/afraid of being humiliated in court. -This may also happen with men who suffer domestic abuse ( too embarrassed to tell people )

Answer 11

The real, much larger, figure of crime is hidden from official statistics - can be linked to INVISIBLE CRIME 9 crime that is not reported or recorded )

Answer 12

Biased against the working class - agents of social control and in favour of the ruling class, treating the working class harshly.

Answer 13

Zero-tolerance policing will increase the numbers of small offences that are prosecuted - however this will then reduce the number of serious crimes. POLICING ATTITUDES may also affect conviction rates of different groups.

Answer 14

See religion as a positive force that binds society together like glue - religion encourages people to be more aware of and follow social norms and to respect rules and laws for the benefit of everyone.

Answer 15

Marxists criticise the courts for favouring the rich and powerful - they believe the courts are unjust. Marxists claim that the courts protect the interests of the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor and vulnerable.

Answer 16

Blames the collapse of the family, weak law enforcement and a failing education system. The New Right tends to focus on STREET CRIME and YOUTH CRIME which is usually committed by members of the working class.

Answer 17

Poor people are encouraged to steal through capitalism to gain the things they cannot obtain - wealthier people are more likely to be more secure than poor people (neighbourhoods, house security etc)

Answer 18

Encourages a lifestyle of petty crime - everyday lifestyle. (poor community) Charles Murray said there was an UNDERCLASS which contribute to crime an delinquency.

Answer 19

Durkheim says that people share collective sentiments that can be affected when laws are broken - collective sentiments are the ideas that we all share about what is wrong and what is right in society.

Answer 20

Durkheim argues that crime is inevitable and necessary for society to work properly ; crime reminds us of our collective sentiments and makes society feel stronger and more cohesive.

Answer 21

Cohen says that subcultures exist due to cultural and material deprivation - w/c people lack the resources to obtain success. This links to STATUS FRUSTRATION.

Answer 22

Marxists believe that the upper class benefit from moral panics as these distract people from the real problems residing within capitalism. The ruling class defect attention away from themselves by blaming the w/c for problems in the world.

Answer 23

Pollak developed the Chivalry Thesis ; Pollak argues that employers often feel sorry for women who had broken the laws or rules of society - it suggests that men's perspectives were influenced by the stereotypes of women. In simple terms, it means that WOMEN are LESS LIKELY to be convicted of a crime than men are.