Crime & Deviance - what are the patterns and trends in crime? Flashcards
What is the definition of crime?
Crime is an act that violates the laws of a society and is punishable by the state.
True or False: Crime rates are uniform across all social classes.
False
What is a trend in crime related to age?
Younger individuals tend to commit more crimes compared to older individuals.
Fill in the blank: The __________ theory suggests that crime is a result of social interactions and the environment.
social learning
What is the relationship between gender and crime rates?
Males are more likely to commit crimes than females.
What is one pattern observed in urban crime rates?
Urban areas generally have higher crime rates compared to rural areas.
True or False: Crime is completely random and does not follow any patterns.
False
What is the term for crimes committed by individuals in their professional life?
White-collar crime
What demographic factors influence crime rates?
Age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status.
Fill in the blank: __________ crime refers to crimes against individuals or property.
Street
What is the impact of socio-economic status on crime?
Lower socio-economic status is often associated with higher crime rates.
What does the term ‘victimization’ refer to?
The process of being harmed or suffering from a crime.
True or False: Crime rates tend to increase during economic recessions.
True
What is the significance of the ‘broken windows theory’?
It suggests that visible signs of disorder and neglect cause an increase in crime.
What type of crime includes theft, burglary, and robbery?
Property crime
Fill in the blank: __________ crimes are those that are illegal but do not directly harm individuals, such as drug offenses.
Victimless
What is the primary focus of criminology?
The study of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system.
What role does media play in crime perception?
Media can exaggerate crime rates and influence public perception of safety.
What is the difference between primary and secondary deviance?
Primary deviance refers to initial acts of rule-breaking, while secondary deviance is the result of societal reaction to primary deviance.
True or False: Most crimes are reported and recorded accurately in crime statistics.
False
What is the ‘crime funnel’ concept?
It illustrates the decreasing number of crimes as they pass through the criminal justice system.
What is a common method for measuring crime rates?
Official crime statistics and victimization surveys.
What does the term ‘recidivism’ refer to?
The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.
Fill in the blank: __________ theory emphasizes the role of social structures in shaping criminal behavior.
Structural