Criminology Theories, Drugs, & Crime Deck (E3) Flashcards
Criminological theory states that drug use and crime are the result of a lack of opportunity, particularly economic opportunity.
What is Merton’s Strain Theory?
In Merton’s Strain Theory, this person has the necessary goals and means to attain economic success.
Who is the conformist?
Give an example of the conformist according to Merton’s Strain Theory.
Most law-abiding Americans
In Merton’s Strain Theory, this person has goals in mind to achieve economic success but does not have the means to enact those goals.
Who is the innovator?
Give an example of the innovator according to Merton’s Strain Theory.
A drug dealer
In Merton’s Strain Theory, this person has neither goals nor means to achieve economic success.
Who is the retreatist?
Give an example of the retreatist according to Merton’s Strain Theory.
The drug addict
What 3 factors contribute to strain according to Agnew’s General Strain Theory?
1) Removal of pleasant stimuli
2) Addition of noxious stimuli
3) Goal blockage
What is the relationship between strain and drug use/crime?
More strain = greater likelihood of using drugs and engaging in drug crime
What 4 factors strengthen the social bond, according to Hirschi?
1) Attachment
2) Commitment
3) Involvement
4) Belief
According to Hirschi, the symbiotic linkage between a person and society.
What is attachment?
According to Hirschi, the investment an individual has in social activities and institutions.
What is commitment?
According to Hirschi, the structured time spent in socially approved activities that reduces the time available for deviance/crime.
What is involvement?
According to Hirschi, holding near & dear the moral validity of shared social values and norms.
What is belief?
According to Hirschi, what is the relationship between the social bond and crime?
Tighter (healthier) social bond = less likely to engage in criminal activity
According to Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general theory of crime, what is the pipeline/mechanism for committing crime?
Poor parenting –> Low Self-Control —> Delinquency & Crime
What 2 beliefs did Gottfredson & Hirschi hold regarding the concept of self-control?
1) Self-control is developed young
2) Self-control is an immutable trait (i.e., you either have it or you don’t, and you cannot change that)
How is criminal behavior learned according to Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory?
The same as any other behavior, via close interpersonal and social relationships
How does Aker’s Social Learning Theory (SLT) expand upon Sutherland’s Differential Association?
Aker’s SLT also holds that criminal behavior is learned via close interpersonal/social relationships BUT goes even further to say that these relationships condition one to engage in criminal behavior
In Aker’s SLT, learning { } is the term used to describe someone absorbing criminal behavior and later engaging in it.
Vicariously
How does conflict theory (lower class vs. ruling class) relate to crime, drugs, and society?
He who has money also has power. In an oppressive society that doesn’t want the lower class to better their lives, dealing drugs is an easy way for the lower class to get money and gain some sense of control and power over their lives
According to the lecture, what is the best way to keep people poor and out of power with respect to conflict theory?
Criminalize cultural practices
