Criminological Explanation: Social Explanations Flashcards

1
Q

Define labelling.

A

A theory that if a person is given a label by ourselves or others, society will treat them as such.

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2
Q

Define self-fulfilling prophecy.

A

A prediction of a person the causes them to internalise it and make it true.

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3
Q

Define social learning theory theory.

A

Suiting behaviours and values by observing and imitating other role models.

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4
Q

Describe how labelling can cause criminal behaviour.
Use a theorist in your answer.

A

If a person is labelled as a criminal that will define them and affect how society viewed them.
Becker believed that groups in power create deviance by making rules and only applying them to outsiders.

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5
Q

Describe how self-fulfilling prophecy can lead to criminal behaviour.

A

Labelling a deviant a ‘criminal’ can cause them to internalise this due to stigmatising and isolation they turn to deviant groups that match their label confirming it.

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6
Q

What is observational learning in the social learning theory?

A

Criminal behaviour can be learnt indirectly. The individual must observe and pay attention and must have the skill and capacity to replicate the act.

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7
Q

What is vicarious reinforcement?

A

When the individual views the role model being rewarded for their behaviour= more likely to replicate.

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8
Q

Define a role model and link it to crime.

A

A person an individual looks up to. Young offenders are especially susceptible to influence of role models.
Eg: A young offender may want to be a gang leader as they are respected and live a glamorous lifestyle.

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9
Q

What is the supporting evidence for the self-fulfilling prophecy?

A

Jahoda (Ghana)
Boys named after the days of the week they are born.
Monday= even tempered
Wednesday= Aggressive
Boys born on Wednesday are 3x more likely to be involved in violent crime.

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10
Q

What is the opposing evidence of the self-fulfilling prophecy?

A

A study showed that baby faced boys were more likely to be delinquent as they are overcompensating for their ‘weak’ label.

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11
Q

How can social explanations of crime be applied?

A

Increased knowledge about labels allows us to decrease crime levels.
Role models communicating shame about crime and demonising it will encourage individuals to reject that lifestyle.

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12
Q

How does gender affect labelling?

A

Boys and girls experience different socialisation. Boys rough play = labelled aggressive. Girls = passive.

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13
Q

What is the supporting evidence for social learning theory?

A

Bandura et al:
Children were more aggressive after observing a man being aggressive towards a bobo doll
= People replicate aggressive behaviour after observing a role model doing so.

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14
Q

What is the opposing evidence of SLT?

A

Reductionist:
Doesn’t account for all crime
Can’t explain opportunistic crime that hasn’t been observed
Decrease credibility as it cannot explain all crime.

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15
Q

What is the DT of SLT?

A

Eysencks personality theory.
Takes into account both biological and social factors.

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16
Q

What is the application of SLT?

A

Censoring violence:
Children shouldn’t view violent programmes and they should be exposed to positive role models.