Postmodernism Flashcards
What is postmodernism?
A theory that discusses changes in contemporary society. New theory, recent, current.
What are the key features of a post-modern world?
Classless, choice and diversity, identity is fragmented, people are less constrained, media saturation, and chaotic.
What do they believe crime is?
A social construction.
How do traditional approaches adapt a version of positivism? (Smart)
They try to find the causes of criminality
Try and fine ways to eradicate crime
Assume that scientific methods are the best way of discovering the truth about crime
Believe it is possible to find and overall theory.
What do Henry and Milovanovic adopt?
A transgressive approach to crime.
What do Henry and Milovanovic suggest?
That crime should be reconceptualised as people using power to show disrespect for and causing some sorts of harm to others.
What are the two forms of harm?
Harms of reduction- power is used to cause the victim to experience immediate loss or injury e.g., murder
Harms of repression- power is used to restrict future human development, including threatening human dignity and lack of respect e.g., hate crimes.
What do postmodernists argue about the causes of crime?
That there is not one singular cause of crime, they regard each criminal act as unique.
What is the effective way of dealing with crime?
They must be local and individual.
What does it mean when society is categorised by individualism?
Life is now uncertain and unpredictable that meta narratives of class, gender, ethnicity no longer apply.
What does Levin and McDevitt suggest?
Some perpetrators of hate crime derive thrills, joys and excitement by inflicting suffering on those they perceive to be different from themselves.
What does Katz (1988) argue?
That crime is seductive, young males get drawn into it not because of rejection but because it is thrilling
What does Lyng argue risk taking is?
Edgework
What is meant by edgework?
Thrill by acting in ways that are on the edge between security and danger.
What does Levin and McDevitt say about thrill-seeking?
Rewards for crime are more psychological than material.
