Sociological Theories & Factors

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

• LOA: Society creates its own criminals, supported by by sociological explanations, with physiological factors as secondary contributors.
  Discusses:
• Sociological factors: ACEs, race and ethnicity, and poverty.
• Sociological theories: Social Bond Theory, Labelling Theory, and Strain Theory.
• Physiological factors: gender, MAOA Theory, and Low Resting Heart Rate Theory.
• International comparisons: USA, Ecuador, Finland.

Question 2

Sociological Explanations of Crime - 1. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Answer 2

Definition: Stressful events in childhood that increase the likelihood of criminal behaviour.
Evidence:
- ACE survey: People with 4+ ACEs are more likely to be in prison.
- USA: 90% of incarcerated males reported at least one ACE; 50% reported 4+.
- CYPCJ study (UK): Each ACE increases risk of being a serious offender by 35%.
- UK Parliament: 41% of prisoners witnessed violence at home as children (a type of ACE).
- Theory: Hirschi’s Social Bond Theory:
- Strong social bonds prevent crime; weak bonds lead to delinquency.
- Delinquents feel detached from societal bonds; weak parental attachments are common.
Conclusion: Society creates criminals by allowing weak social bonds and exposure to ACEs.

Question 3

Sociological Explanations of Crime - 2. Race and Ethnicity

Answer 3

Evidence :
- BAME = 16% of the population, but 27% of prisoners.
- BAME defendants pleading not guilty are more likely to be convicted than white defendants.
- Black men = 26% more likely to be remanded in custody.
- USA: Black people jailed at 4x the rate of white people, despite making up less than a quarter of the population.
Theory: Howard Becker’s Labelling Theory:
- Deviance is not inherent; society labels behaviors as deviant.
- Marginalized groups are stereotyped, leading to self-fulfilling prophecies.
Counterpoint: Higher crime rates in BAME communities also lead to higher victimization and fear of crime.
Conclusion: Labelling and systemic inequality drive crime, showing society creates criminals.

Question 4

Sociological Explanations of Crime - 3. Poverty

Answer 4

Evidence:
- UK 2022: 52% more crimes recorded in income-deprived areas; violent crime 2.1x higher in poorest areas.
- Glasgow: High crime rate (1,250/10,000) linked to high child poverty (33%).
- Edinburgh: Lower crime rate (600/10,000) with lower child poverty (20%).
- Ecuador: Gangs exploit poverty, extorting businesses, disrupting education, and causing migration.
Theory: Strain Theory (Robert Merton):
- Social structures encourage crime when they fail to provide legitimate paths to success.
- Dissatisfaction with monetary status linked to working-class criminality.
Counterpoint: Most people don’t resort to crime despite obstacles.
Conclusion: Poverty fosters crime, but it isn’t the sole factor. However, society’s allowance of poverty enables criminality.

Question 5

Physiological Explanations of Crime - 1. Gender

Answer 5

Evidence:
- 73% of violent crimes (2019-2020) committed by men.
- 98% of sexual offenders are male.
Counterpoint: Societal pressures (e.g., traditional roles) may push men into crime due to poverty and expectations.

Question 6

Physiological Explanations of Crime - 2. MAOA Theory (“Warrior Gene”)

Answer 6

Evidence:
- Finland: Offenders with MAOA gene 13x more likely to have violent histories.
- Estimated 5-10% of violent crimes in Finland linked to this gene.
Counterpoint: Many with MAOA don’t commit crimes.
- Jim Fallon: Environmental triggers are essential for the gene to influence behavior.
- Europe: 34% have the gene, but homicide rates are very low.

Question 7

Physiological Explanations of Crime - 3. Low Resting Heart Rate Theory

Answer 7

Evidence:
- UK: 12-year-olds with low heart rates 60% more likely to commit crime as adults.
- Sweden: Men with low heart rates 39% more likely to commit violent crime.
Counterpoint: Differences are minor (e.g., 5.8% vs. 5% of men commit crime).
Conclusion: Physiological factors have relevance but require sociological triggers to fully explain criminal behaviour.

Question 8

Conclusion

Answer 8

• Sociological Factors: Best explain criminality due to structural inequalities and societal influences.
• Physiological Factors: Relevant but secondary, requiring environmental triggers to have a significant impact.
• Overall: Society creates its own criminals by fostering environments (poverty, inequality, weak social bonds) that encourage crime.