Lec 10 & 11 Flashcards
ways to categorize theories:
consensus & conflict based
consensus:
assumes HIGH degree of consensus abt social norms + values, and departures mark deviance
conflict:
society is composed of diverse social groups w different definitions of right and wrong
theoretical categories:
emphasis on:
- INDIVIDUAL
- STRUCTURE
- PROCESS
- CONFLICT
emphasis on individual is
non sociological
emphasis on social structure is
sociological
emphasis on social process
sociological
emphasis on social conflict
sociological
early theories of crim believe that
a force of evil made them do it (religion + superstition)
main disciplines that inform criminology
PHILOSOPHY (today) Biology Anthropology Psychology Law Sociology
context for classical theory:
enlightenment, feudalism -> capitalism, development + role of the state, development of common law + civil law
philosophical theory
(classical crim theory) -> FREE WILL and RATIONAL actors
people CHOOSE to commit crime based on a calculation perceived costs and benefits
ultarian principle:
greatest happiness for greatest number
3 R’s of classical crim:
- RIGHTS (individual)
- REASON / RATIONALITY
- RULE OF LAW
solution to crim in classical
deterrence (if costs > benefits) = punishment
punishment can deter crime if it is:
- swift
- certain
- proportional to the crime
critique of classical theory:
- general principles did not always serve justice = rational actors
- equality BEFORE the law makes a world of deep social insecurities
solution to crime? (psychological)
treatment +/or incapacitate
if you are NOT able to control your actions, it may reduce your level of responsibility
(assess MENTAL CAPACITY to stand trial)
psychological theories policy offers:
- drug treatment courses
- anger management programs
- partner assault response programs
sociological theories state
social pathology was responsible for crime NOT biological or psychological pathology!
(social STRUCTURE, PROCESS, + CONFLICT)
types of sociological theories: social structure ?
- social ecology: chicago school
- social disorganization
- strain theory
social disorganization:
was responsible for crime NOT biological or psychological pathology
solution of social disorganization =
reorganize and address disorganized communities
strain theories
(CONSENSUS BASED)
social structure and social learning influence the attitudes + behavior of the individual
(examine SOCIAL PATHOLOGY rather than individual pathology)
social structure theories:
SOCIAL STRAIN - goals vs. means
social strain:
SOME ppl have structural obstacles + not same means to achieve goals
Merton’s Anomie:
- CULTURALLY define + approved societal goals
2. INSTITUTIONALIZED approved social means (social structure) of attaining these goals
crime is a symptom between
GOALS and MEANS
paradigm of deviant behaviors
- conformity
- innovation
- ritualism
- retreatism
- rebellion
social process:
interaction between individuals & society
(all ppl have potential to become delinquents or criminals)
crime is a PROCESS resulting from INTERACTIONS
social process theories:
- social learning theories
- labeling theory
social learning theory suggests
crime is a fcn if learning process
- definitions FOR crime outweigh definitions AGAINST crime
differential association
assumes criminal behavior will occur when definitions for crime outweighs definitions against crime
labeling theory (interaction isn’t perspective)
(challenge notion of social consensus
- reality is produced through social construction
- importance of power relations in a given society / who does the labeling?
primary deviance:
initial act of deviance
secondary deviance:
internalizes (-) label and assume role of deviant
2 effects of labeling theory:
- creation of stigma “ur a delinquent”
1. effect on self image “i am a delinquent”
