Postmodernism - Crime Flashcards
How do Postmodernists believe that crime is a social construct?
They argue that crime is merely an expression of a particular view of those with power of how people should conduct themselves
How do Postmodernists believe the definition of crime is outdate?
Argue it is based on a narrow legal definition which is outstate and reflects the metanarrative of law that no longer reflects the diversity of postmodern society
What do Henry and Milovanovic suggest?
That crime should be revised so that is it not just about breaking the law but about people using power to show disrespect for other by causing them harm of some sort
What are the 2 forms of harm that Henry and Milovanovic identify?
1) Harms of reduction - when power is used to cause a victim to experience some immediate loss or injury
2) Harms of repression - when power is used to restrict further human development
What do Postmodernists argue is the biggest cause of crime?
Individuals increasingly focus on themselves, with a greater focus on individualism, often with little regard and respect for others
What do Postmodernists suggest Individualism has replaced?
The metanarratives of social class, work and family, which formed people’s identity and gave them their roles thus integrating them into society
Why are the social causes of crime undiscoverable?
Each crime is a one-off event expressing whatever identity an individual chooses, and is motivated by an invite number of individual cases, including emotional reasons
How does Messerschmidt’s work show how individuals express whatever identity they choose?
His work on crime as an expression of masculinity for some men
How does Lyng’s work show how individuals express whatever identity they choose?
His work which examines crime as ‘edge work’, committed for the risk-taking, excitement and thrill that those involved get from ‘living on the edge’
How do Postmodernists suggest a growing emphasis is placed on private crime prevention?
1) Increasing use on inform control agencies like private security firms controlling public spaces
2) Use of surveillance techniques to control everyone
3) Increased control of entry to particular streets and housing communities - ‘gated communities’
What does Foucault suggest about surveillance?
Points how how surveillance is penetrating more and more into private aspects of our lives
How do Postmodernists suggest people are regarded less as citizens and more as consumers?
People are persuaded into the avoidance of social harm by participation in a consumer society:
- those who can’t afford to participate face stricter social control through, for example stricter and heavier policing
What are 4 strengths of Postmodernism?
1) Explains contemporary developments such as widespread surveillance
2) Offers explanations for non-utilitarian crimes
3) Explains localisation of police strategies
4) Provides a fuller picture of crime than more ‘traditional’ approaches because of the idea of crime as ‘harm’
What are 4 weaknesses of Postmodernism?
1) Doesn’t explain why most people don’t use their power to harm others and why certain groups find is necessary
2) Fails to recognise that a consumers society can lead to resentment by those who can’t afford it
3) Ignores the issues of justice for all, not just consumers
4) Fails to recognise that most people still have a strong sense of ‘right and ‘wrong’ which underpins the law
What do Postmodernists argue the growing detachment of the criminal justice system from centralised control has led to?
More informal localised arrangements:
- policing policies have become quite localised and community based, reflecting the fragmentation of society into a diverse range of smaller groupings with localised identities
e. g. the use of Sharia courts rather than British in some sections of the muslim community
