Social Theories

Question 1

Social Structure Theory

Answer 1

socioeconomic structure of our society.

focuses on the social and economic structures of society.

Question 2

three categories of SST

Answer 2

1. social disorganization ( stratification of our society)
2. Strain theory ( difference in classes)
3. Cultural deviance ( turn to criminality for relief) - attain conventional success

Question 3

Functionalism

Answer 3

explores the positive function crime.

Strengthens collective values. enables social change.

Question 4

Criticisms of Functionalists

Answer 4

only emphasises working-class delinquency and ignores white-collar crime. 
many working class youths don't commit crime.

Question 5

Merton Theory

Answer 5

Argues that people engage in deviant behaviour when they cannot achieve socially approved goals by legitimate means.
American Dream, mean + goals and The Strain Theory.

Question 6

Strain Theory

Answer 6

As a result of not obtaining socially achieved goals, the individual will become strained an causes them to become deviant as they acquire other means to achieve it.

Question 7

Criticisms of Merton’s theory

Answer 7

unequal opportunity structure

cultural factors

Question 8

Interactionalism/ Labelling Theory

Answer 8

Becker and Cohen (Moral Entrepreneurs)

Question 9

Labelling theory

Answer 9

the act of labelling someone a criminal makes the individual a criminal . Once labelled, society removes the individuals opportunities which further leads to more criminal behaviours.

Question 10

Becker

Answer 10

consequences of crime, self-fulfilling prophecy.

Question 11

Cohen

Answer 11

Folk Devils, moral panic, deviancy amplification.
working-class youths experience status frustration therefore develop a delinquent subculture to fulfil their achieve status.

Question 12

Folk devils

Answer 12

Mods+ Rockers

media reports on deviant behaviour they construct a clear villain; folk devils. this kickstarts moral panic

Question 13

Deviancy amplification

Answer 13

refer to the way levels of deviance or crime can be increased by the societal reaction to deviance itself. example;the riots in the UK in the summer of 2011

Question 14

Left realism

Answer 14

Lea + Young
relative deprivation, subcultures and marginalisation. Multi-agency approach. focuses on practical ways to solve ordinary crimes/

Question 15

Right realism

Answer 15

inadequate social control, underreporting + biased policing ha a negative effect

Question 16

Criticisms of Cohen

Answer 16

not all young working class delinquents hold up mainstream goals, have independent subcultures