Key Sociological Theories Flashcards
advantages to functionalism
helps us understand the positives of crime
like boundary maintenance
disadvantages to functionalism
it ignores the working class
advantages to strain theory
can explain links between crimes committed by the working class
disadvantages to strain theory
does not explain all types of crime like WCC
it does not acknowledge group / gang crimes
advantages to marxism
it acknowledges crimes committed by the rich / WCC
disadvantages to marxism
it makes the working class sound like victims
it ignores individual motivation
advantages to interactionism / labelling
it helps understand why small crimes lead to deviant careers e.g speed awareness course which is diversion policy
disadvantages to interactionism / labelling
it assumes that once you are labelled you end up committig crime and having a deviant career
advantages of left realism
the perry pre school project was a big success when it launched
disadvantages of left realism
it takes 12 - 16 years to see benefits of it and politicans are voted out every 5 years
advantages of right realism
zero tolerance and target hardening worked in new york city
disadvantages of right realism
doesnt stop crime it only displaces it
what does MRS stand for in left realism
Marginilisation - people on margins of society are not supported
Relative Deprivation - people realise they are less well off so commit crime to close the gap
Subcultures - those who cannot achieve in mainstream society so turn to subcultures
what does RIB stand for in right realism
Rational Choice - deciding to commit a crime based off the postivies and negatives
Inadequate Socialisation - effective socialisation reduces the chances of committing crime
Biological Differences - personality differences e.g anger and low iq lead to offending
