Crime And Devince. Flashcards
What is deviance
Deviance refers to the behaviour that violates society
Deviance can be good for society- Durkheim
Deviance plays a crucial role in society, as if someone doesn’t violate society we will never understand what is right from wrong.
Deviance reinforces punishments which reminds society what the expected behaviours are.
Rejecting deviance helps society come together.
Deviance can be good for society- Becker
*Certain behaviours are labeled as deviant from society even though they aren’t criminal and labelling behaviours as deviant leads to those labelled as this feeling like they need to form their own group to challenge societies. This makes a change in the law and creates diversity
Deviance can be good for society- Cohen
Cohen studied young youths and noticed that those from minority classes who struggle to gain academic achievement often do deviant acts to feel accepted by those who also do deviant acts. These “failures” feel self worth and social unity (sense of unity with those who you can share norm and values with)
What is Interactionist Theory in Sociology?
Focuses on everyday interactions. Believes crime is socially constructed – people create meanings through interactions, not controlled by big society.
What is Labelling Theory of Crime?
Says no act is naturally criminal – it’s only deviant when labelled that way. Labels can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy and secondary deviance.
What did Becker (1963) say about deviance?
“Deviance is the reaction, not the act.”
Labels can become a master status and lead to more deviance (secondary deviance).
What did Jock Young find in his study of hippies?
Police labelled hippies as druggies. This pushed them to create a deviant subculture – proving labels can create more deviance.
What did Cicourel (1968) find about justice?
What did Jock Young find in his study of hippies?
A:
Police labelled hippies as druggies. This pushed them to create a deviant subculture – proving labels can create more deviance.
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Police were harsher on working-class boys. Middle-class boys were let off. Shows justice is biased and based on stereotypes.
Key concepts in Labelling Theory?
• Labelling
• Self-fulfilling prophecy – acting like the label
• Master status – label becomes main identity
• Secondary deviance – deviance caused by the label
• Moral entrepreneurs – rule makers (media, police)
Strengths of Labelling Theory?
• Shows crime is socially constructed
• Explains why some groups are targeted
• Highlights the power of labels
Weaknesses of Labelling Theory?
• Doesn’t explain why crime starts
• Too deterministic
• Ignores power and inequality (criticised by Marxists)
Who is Matza and what did he study?
Matza was a subcultural sociologist who studied young people and deviance. He believed that most young people share society’s values but sometimes “drift” into crime temporarily.
What does Matza mean by “drift”?
Drift means that young people move in and out of crime — they are not always deviant. Most will stop committing crime as they grow older and take on adult responsibilities.
What are “subterranean values” according to Matza?
These are hidden values in society, like wanting excitement or aggression. Young people are more likely to act on these values, which can lead to deviance.
How is Matza’s theory different from other subcultural theories?
Other theories say young people have different values from society. Matza says they share society’s values, but sometimes break rules and make excuses.
How is Matza’s theory different from other subcultural theories?
Other theories say young people have different values from society. Matza says they share society’s values, but sometimes break rules and make excuses.
What happens to most young people who drift into deviance?
Most will grow out of crime when they get jobs, families, or adult responsibilities.
What is a strength of Matza’s theory?
It’s less harsh than other theories. It sees young people as having free will and not being fully criminal.
What is a weakness of Matza’s theory?
It doesn’t explain serious or repeated crimes very well. Some people don’t feel guilt and don’t drift — they commit crime regularly.
