Theories of Crime and Deviance Flashcards
What is socialisation?
A process of learning or being taught norms and values.
According to Durkheim, what are the two main reasons why people commit crime and deviance?
- Not everyone is effectively socialised into the shared culture of norms and values.
- There is a diversity of lifestyles.
What are the 4 functions of crime and deviance?
Boundary Maintenance
Adaptation and Change
Safety Valve
Warning Light
Who is the founder of strain theory?
Merton
According to Merton, why do people commit crime?
People commit crime when they are unable to achieve their cultural goal (American dream) legitimately through education or work (structural factors).
They then resort to criminal means instead.
What are the 5 adaptations to strain?
Conformity
Innovation
Ritualism
Retreatism
Rebellion
Why do working class boys commit crime according to Cohen?
WC boys face anomie in the MC education system because they lack the skills to achieve
As a result, they suffer from status frustration.
In order to resolve this they form a subculture for alternative status.
How does Cloward and Ohlin differ from Cohen?
Cloward and Ohlin understand how not everyone adapts to a lack of legitimate opportunities by turning to ‘innovation’ or utilitarian crime.
What 3 subcultures do Cloward and Ohlin identify?
Professional Criminal Subcultures
Conflict Subcultures (Gangs)
Retreatist Subcultures (Dropouts)
What is utilitarian crime?
Crime involving money.
What is non-utilitarian crime?
Crime that does not involve money, e.g. violence.
What does Matza argue?
Matza argues people are not fully committed to their subculture like Cohen/Cloward and Ohlin suggest. Instead people can drift in and out of crime and deviance.
How can capitalism be criminogenic?
Capitalism, by its very nature, causes crime because it promotes and encourages greed.
