Explaining class differences in crime

Question 1

what do official statistics show for class differences in crime?

Answer 1

WC more likely than higher class to offend. different perspectives offer different explanations for this

Question 2

functionalism on class differences in crime

Answer 2

functionalism sees crime as product of inadequate socialisation into a shared culture. Miller argues that the lower class has an independent subculture opposed to mainstream culture and this explains their higher crime rate.

Question 3

functionalism on strain theory

Answer 3

strain theory argues that the class structure denies WC ppl opportunity to achieve by legitimate means, so they are more likely to ‘innovate’ (use utilitarian crime)

Question 4

functionalism on subcultural theories

Answer 4

A.K Cohen sees WC youths as culturally deprived and unable to achieve in education. failure gives rise to status frustration. therefore, they form delinquent subcultures where they gain status from peers.
Cloward and Ohlin identify three deviant subcultures: criminal, conflict and retreatist.

Question 5

functionalism on labelling theory

Answer 5

labelling theory rejects the view that official statistics are a valid picture of which class commits most crime. they focus on the role of law enforcement agencies which have the power to label the WC as criminals.