Cultural Criminology/Postmodernist Explanations

Question 1

What are the postmodernists that discuss crime?

Answer 1

Ferrell
Katz
Lyng
Katz and Jackson-Jacobs
Young
Presdee

Question 2

What does Katz say?

Answer 2

• Sociological explanations which focus on social characteristics alone fail to take into account ways in which people are drawn into crime.
• A physical fight may be nothing more than a show of toughness. Crime can have selfish/ individualistic motivations.

Question 3

What does Lyng discuss?

Answer 3

• Used concept ‘edgework’ meaning the edges that exist along boundaries in cultures.
• Many participate in activities which test those boundaries.
• They argue edgework can lead to intense emotions like fear and anxiety.
• By mastering those emotions and getting away with the crime, they can feel a sense of control and accomplishment.
• Edgework is seen as both an escape from the restrictions of modern society and as a way of coping in a complex, postmodern society.

Question 4

What does Young discuss?

Answer 4

• Youth deviance is about misbehaviour, rebellion, risk taking, and anger.
• We live in a ‘Bulimic society’ which encourages people to worship ‘success, money, and status.’
• The underclass feels an ‘intensity of exclusion’ from this, feeling resentment and humiliation.
• Deviance is an expression of exclusion and desire for inclusion.

Question 4

What does Presdee discuss?

Answer 4

• Carnival is a cathartic ritual where hedonistic desires and deviance is celebrated, and a chance for youths to ‘let off steam.’
  In a postmodern society, ‘carnival’ has a constant need and people live for the next opportunity to transgress. e.g., girl/lads night out, binge drinking.
• It is a necessary safety valve in trying to limit threats to social order.
• Crime is committed due to the exciting risk which makes it seem appealing, whilst giving them status.

Question 5

How is Cultural criminologists/ Postmodernism criticised?

Answer 5

Mainly seek to explain crime committed by working class young men. Just most visible and targeted.

Question 6

What do Katz and Jackson-Jacobs discuss?

Answer 6

• Due to social mobility provided through education and career opportunities, large sections of society move from origins.
• Those left behind must make sense of their failure.
• ‘Gangs are made glorious’ meaning childhood friendships are turned into matters of pride, phrases like ‘home-boy’ become badge of respect.
• Gangs are a way for those who have failed in society to maintain status.

Question 7

What does Ferrell say about crime?

Answer 7

Crime is not a rational decision making process, but a result of anger, humiliation, excitement, and fear.