Criminology Theories, Drugs, & Crime Deck (E3)

Question 1

Criminological theory states that drug use and crime are the result of a lack of opportunity, particularly economic opportunity.

Answer 1

What is Merton’s Strain Theory?

Question 2

In Merton’s Strain Theory, this person has the necessary goals and means to attain economic success.

Answer 2

Who is the conformist?

Question 3

Give an example of the conformist according to Merton’s Strain Theory.

Answer 3

Most law-abiding Americans

Question 4

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.

Answer 4

Who is the innovator?

Question 5

Give an example of the innovator according to Merton’s Strain Theory.

Answer 5

A drug dealer

Question 6

In Merton’s Strain Theory, this person has neither goals nor means to achieve economic success.

Answer 6

Who is the retreatist?

Question 7

Give an example of the retreatist according to Merton’s Strain Theory.

Answer 7

The drug addict

Question 8

What 3 factors contribute to strain according to Agnew’s General Strain Theory?

Answer 8

1) Removal of pleasant stimuli
2) Addition of noxious stimuli
3) Goal blockage

Question 9

What is the relationship between strain and drug use/crime?

Answer 9

More strain = greater likelihood of using drugs and engaging in drug crime

Question 10

What 4 factors strengthen the social bond, according to Hirschi?

Answer 10

1) Attachment
2) Commitment
3) Involvement
4) Belief

Question 11

According to Hirschi, the symbiotic linkage between a person and society.

Answer 11

What is attachment?

Question 12

According to Hirschi, the investment an individual has in social activities and institutions.

Answer 12

What is commitment?

Question 13

According to Hirschi, the structured time spent in socially approved activities that reduces the time available for deviance/crime.

Answer 13

What is involvement?

Question 14

According to Hirschi, holding near & dear the moral validity of shared social values and norms.

Answer 14

What is belief?

Question 15

According to Hirschi, what is the relationship between the social bond and crime?

Answer 15

Tighter (healthier) social bond = less likely to engage in criminal activity

Question 16

According to Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general theory of crime, what is the pipeline/mechanism for committing crime?

Answer 16

Poor parenting –> Low Self-Control —> Delinquency & Crime

Question 17

What 2 beliefs did Gottfredson & Hirschi hold regarding the concept of self-control?

Answer 17

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)

Question 18

How is criminal behavior learned according to Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory?

Answer 18

The same as any other behavior, via close interpersonal and social relationships

Question 19

How does Aker’s Social Learning Theory (SLT) expand upon Sutherland’s Differential Association?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

In Aker’s SLT, learning { } is the term used to describe someone absorbing criminal behavior and later engaging in it.

Answer 20

Vicariously

Question 21

How does conflict theory (lower class vs. ruling class) relate to crime, drugs, and society?

Answer 21

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

Question 22

According to the lecture, what is the best way to keep people poor and out of power with respect to conflict theory?

Answer 22

Criminalize cultural practices