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
What is the relationship between drug use and crime?
Drug use is often linked to increased criminal activity, both as a means to support addiction and as a result of drug-related offenses.
True or False: Crime prevention strategies have no impact on reducing crime rates.
False
What is the impact of age on types of crime committed?
Younger individuals are more likely to commit violent crimes, while older individuals may commit property crimes.
What is the role of social control in crime prevention?
Social control mechanisms, such as laws and community norms, help to regulate behavior and deter crime.
What is a common characteristic of organized crime?
It involves structured groups engaging in illegal activities for profit.
Fill in the blank: __________ crime is typically motivated by profit and includes activities like drug trafficking and human trafficking.
Organized
What is the term for the legal system’s response to crime?
Criminal justice system
True or False: All crimes are treated equally by the legal system.
False
What does the term ‘deviance’ refer to?
Behavior that violates social norms.
What is the impact of family structure on crime rates?
Broken families or lack of parental supervision can increase the likelihood of criminal behavior in children.
What is the concept of ‘labeling theory’?
It posits that being labeled as a criminal can lead to further criminal behavior.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process through which individuals learn and internalize societal norms and values.
Socialization
What is the relationship between ethnicity and crime rates?
Certain ethnic groups may be overrepresented in crime statistics due to social and economic factors.
True or False: Crime trends remain constant over time.
False
What is one effect of economic inequality on crime?
It can lead to higher crime rates as individuals seek to rectify perceived injustices.
What is the significance of public perception in crime trends?
Public perception can influence policy decisions and resource allocation in crime prevention.
Fill in the blank: __________ crime includes offenses such as assault and homicide.
Violent
What are the implications of high crime rates for communities?
High crime rates can lead to decreased property values, fear among residents, and reduced quality of life.
What is the relationship between employment and crime?
Unemployment can increase the likelihood of crime as individuals may turn to illegal activities for income.
