Exam Practice Flashcards
Boundary Maintenance
When a crime is committed, a community come together in anger or disaproval of the crime. These events often become spectacles due to the use of trials and media coverage.
Cohen - functions of crime
“dramatisation of evil” - creates folk devils and moral panics.
Media coverage is vital in gaining support
Social Cohesion and mob mentality
When people come together to shun a criminal in an attempt to deter other people from committing the same crimes.
Mob Mentality and the Ted Bundy case “Burn bundy burn” “and they say I’m crazy”.
Adaption and change - functional rebels
When society is shown what doesn’t work, they reassess and try to improve that. Often Functional rebels will help put laws into place such as the Holly and Jessica case which led to DBS checks becoming necessary in schools etc
Why does cohen say that crime is beneficial?
- Creates jobs such as police and prison staff
- Acts as an early warning mechanism so we can try and stop things escalating.
Why does davis say that prostitution is a good thing?
Prevents abuse in relationships, prevents sexual violence and creates a safe space for men to work off frustration (safety valve)
- Jack the Ripper
- Yorkshire Ripper
Explain the Manchester Bombing in terms of Moral Panics and Functional Rebels
Ariana grande concert - moral panics caused surrounding large scale concerts and events (by putting more security on, is that them saying we should be worried?) and Ariana was a functional rebel who paid for funerals of lost ones, raised money and organised a one love manchester concert.
Define anomie
When an individual feels as though they are on the margins of society, they often turn to crime and join a subculture of others in the same position.
Define Egoism
When people only think about themselves and not the collective. Often caused by high levels of anomie.
Hirschi’s Bonds of Attachment
Attachment - how much do we care what others think of us
Commitment - what do we have to lose
Belief - how important are norms and values to us in society
Involvement - how integrated we are in our community.
Evaluating bonds of attachment
Too simple to assume these are what prevent crime - what if they cause it (alternative bonds of attachment).
*Pulse nightclub shooting
What was mentioned in the BBC documentary about gangs?
- Protection
- “Rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6”
- “Not talking to people in council estates, they’re talking to people in Chelsea” - feel let down by gov
Strain Theory (Merton)
When you strive to achieve the American Dream but can’t reach it, it causes strain. This strain may lead to crimes being committed to try and illegitimately obtain it.
What things are included in the American Dream?
White picket fence, loving spouse, children, pets, nice house, nice car, good job, savings and disposable income
Merton’s 5 responses to strain
RETREATISM - Drop out of society and exist externally to societal norms (reject goals and means)
CONFORMITY - attempt to achieve legitimately (accept means and goals)
REBELLION - devise new ways to reach (Reject both)
INNOVATION - Want money and success but don’t want to work to get there, break the law (Accept goals but not means)
RITUALISM - give up hope of achieving the dream
