Sociological Theories

Question 1

what is the social construction of crime?

Answer 1

This theory assumes that a disadvantaged social class is the primary cause of crime and that criminal behaviour begins in youth. Crime is largely a result of
unfavourable conditions in a community, for example, unemployment, single-parent families etc.
Marxists essentially see crime as something being inevitable in a capitalist society and is used by the ruling class, or bourgeoisie, as a means of social control. If
someone does not conform, they will be punished. Institutions such as the police, the justice system, prisons, schools the family and religion are there to encourage you

Marxists would also argue that different social classes are policed differently, with the working class, or proletariat, heavily policed in the expectation that why will be more criminal and therefore raising the chances of their crimes being detected. In addition, Marxists hold the view that, when it comes to crime, governments fabricate

Question 2

what is functionalism

Answer 2

Durkheim suggests that crime is inevitable as not every member of society can be
equally committed to the collective sentiments or values and beliefs. Socialisation and
social control help to achieve solidarity in society. Crime is considered to be
functional and only becomes dysfunctional when the rate of it is high or low. If in
society, collective sentiments are too strong, there will be little change. E.g. the law
about homosexuality.

Crime also strengthens social cohesion or the willingness of members of society to
cooperate with one another. It maintains boundaries with society, reacting and uniting,
and reinforcing their commitment to the value consensus.

crime helps create jobs
refrain moral code
can be used as a warning device
can be used as a safety valve.

Question 3

what is Merton’s strain theory

Answer 3

Merton's strain theory states that society encourages us to reach our goals through legitimate means when society is unable to provide legitimate means for everyone to achieve success. working-class are more likely to be denied materials for success. Their opportunities are blocked and consequently, they experience feelings of strain and anomie, where they strive for goals of material success but lack the
opportunities to reach them through legitimate means.

Question 4

what is interactionalism

Answer 4

Interactionism refers to how people in society react to one another. Interactionists argue that official statistics on crime are socially constructed and they believe that
crime is also a social construction. They put forward the argument that crime is a subjective concept; agents of social control, such as the police and judges, label certain acts and behaviour as deviant or criminal. The behaviour will then be punished accordingly.

Question 5

how many types of deviance do interactionalist think there are.

Answer 5

two types
primary deviance which an act of deviance that has been socially labelled as deviant.
secondary deviance which is an act that has been labelled as deviance.

Question 6

what is left realism

Answer 6

Left realism suggests that crime lies in the inequalities created by a capitalist society. Left realists believe that both practical measures to reduce crime and
long-term changes towards a more equal, caring society are needed.

Capitalism encourages levels of consumption but is unable to deliver to all. So some people are motivated by consumerism and materialism and turn to crime to
make up the shortfall.

But what is needed is gradual social change along with practical solutions to the
the problem of crime,

Question 7

what is right realism

Answer 7

Right realism consider crime from the perspective of political conservatism, with
the standpoint of getting tough on crime.

Right realists state that everyone is tempted to commit crime but it is the number of social bonds that prevent us from doing so.

Right realists talk about the development of the ‘underclass’ such as single parents, where young boys grow up without an appropriate role model and crime is
a way of proving they are men.

Right realism questions the view that economic factors, such as poverty or unemployment, are the reason behind rising crime rates. Instead, it was believed
that individuals are more likely to commit crime when the social constraints on their behaviour are weakened. So crime is linked to inadequate social control.