exam questions + answers

Question 1

Describe how one sociological theory accounts for criminality (left realism)

Answer 1

lea and young suggest that the combination of marginalisation (the act of treating someone as if they are not important) and relative deprivation (perceives themselves to be worse off than those around them) = reject of norms and values > form their own subcultures = criminal behvaiour is rewarded by their peers

they believe working class and some ethnic groups face social exclusion as a result of blocked opportunities to succeed they react through criminal behaviour because of exclusion

Question 2

Describe how one sociological theory accounts for criminality (marxism)

Answer 2

• Assumes that being a part of the disadvantaged social class is a significant factor in criminal behaviour
• working class commit crimes in order to survive
• Institutions such as the police and prisons are there to punish working class (RSA)
• Crime is as a result of inequality and poverty
• Capitalism is criminogenic
• The crimes of the bourgeoisie, for example white-collar crimes, are overlooked.

Question 3

Describe how one sociological theory accounts for criminality (right realism)

Answer 3

This theory suggests that a breakdown in the moral fabric of society causes crime
- According to Charles Murray, a lack of social bonds can lead to crime e.g. absent father
- underclass more likely to commit crimes due to lack of social restraint
- People commit crime as a deliberate and rational choice
- crime has increased because policing is not effective and punishments are too weak