Sociological Positivism Key Points Flashcards
1
Q
Roots
A
Modern science - empiricism
2
Q
Focus
A
Social structure as explanation for criminal behaviour - MACRO
3
Q
Approach to crime
A
Sees crime as an observable social fact(s)
4
Q
View of human nature
A
Criminal behaviour as determined by social environment
Humans have a natural propensity to crime - need to be controlled by society - human nature as egotistical
5
Q
View of justice system
A
Has a moral function - to uphold societal values and continued social stability
6
Q
Key concepts
A
Crime as a social fact - will always exist
Collective conscience
Anomie
Social disorganisation
7
Q
Key thinker
A
Durkheim (influenced Merton)
