Social construction of criminality: culture Flashcards
What is polygamy?
Having more than one husband or wife at the same time. Includes polygyny, polyandry and bigamy
Where is polygamy illegal?
Most countries
Where is polygamy legal?
In certain Muslim countries e.g. India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka
What is one reason for polygamy?
Religion: the Qu’ran permits Muslim men to take up to 4 wives
What is another reason for polygamy?
Tradition: polygamy has traditionally been practiced in some African societies
What is homosexuality?
Sexual acts between members of the same sex
Where is homosexuality illegal?
75 countries outlaw male homosexuality. 45 outlaw lesbian activity. Some countries ban promotion of homosexuality e.g. Russia
Where is homosexuality legal?
UK, Europe, North and South America
What is one reason for homosexuality?
Religion: many religions condemn homosexuality
What is another reason for homosexuality?
Public opinion: some countries have high levels of support for a ban on homosexuality
What is a third reason for homosexuality?
Sexism: male homosexuality being outlawed in more countries may reflect sexist attitudes about women not being able to be attracted to members of the same sex
What is cannabis?
Laws vary widely – in general possession is treated more leniently than growing/supplying
Where is cannabis illegal?
UK and many other European countries
Where is cannabis legal?
Legalised for medical use in Canada/some U.S. states. Decriminalised in Portugal
What is one reason for cannabis?
Different norms and values: societies with greater emphasis on personal freedoms more likely to not see it as a criminal act
What is another reason for cannabis?
Different ideas about how to control drug use: some governments see decriminalisation or legalisation as taking drugs out of the hands of criminals, others see cannabis as a gateway drug and seek to control its use
What is adultery?
A sexual act between two people, one or both of whom are married to someone else
Where is adultery illegal?
Many Muslim countries, some Christian African countries, 21 U.S. states
Where is adultery legal?
Most countries, including the UK and India
What is one reason for adultery?
Religion: many religions condemn adultery – this can influence law-making
What is another reason for adultery?
Women’s position: many countries where women occupy a subordinate position have unequal laws which forbid adultery
What is polygyny?
When a man has more than one wife at a time
What is polyandry?
When a woman has more than one husband at a time
What is bigamy?
An offence in the UK – being married to more than one person at the same time. Punishable by up to 7 years in prison/fine/both
What is decriminalisation?
When the laws are relaxed so that punishments for a particular act are much less severe
What is legalisation?
When a law is passed to make a particular act no longer a crime
What is a gateway drug?
A drug such as cannabis which may lead users to try stronger drugs in future
What is a social construction?
Something that has been made or defined by society rather than occurring naturally
