Post/late Modernity

Question 1

Jock Young

Answer 1

We are now living in a late modern society characterised by instability, insecurity and exclusion which increases crime
Since the 1970s society has become a lot more unstable , de industrialisation and the corresponding decline of unskilled manual jobs has led to increased unemployment and poverty . These changes have also destabilised family and community life and contributed to rising divorce rates .
We also live in a media saturated society which stresses the importance of leisure, personal consumption and immediate gratification.

Question 2

Young in reference to Merton

Answer 2

Applies merton’s strain theory to this situation - he argues that today there are millions of people who will never earn enough money to live a high consumption, celebrity lifestyle and this results in many people suffering relative deprivation and frustration.
Goes beyond merton by arguing that deviant and criminal behaviour become a means whereby people can not only attempt to realise material goals or simply to seek a temporary emotional release from anomic-frustrations of coping

Question 3

Cultural criminology - edge work

Answer 3

Argue the opposite of right realists - they stress the highly emotional nature of crime. They focus on the thrill of the act , but there is an intoxicating mix of fear and pleasure that often accompanies risk taking.