Unit 1.2 Flashcards
Social construction of criminality
what is the social construction of criminality?
refers to something that has been made or defined by society, rather than simply occurring naturally
therefore what counts as criminal is simply whichever acts a society defines as criminal
how does polygamy change from cultures?
Polygamy is legal in 58 countries, whole polyandry is confined to a handful of societies- mainly in Himalayas. In 5-multi cultural societies with Muslim majority, law permits polygamous marriages for Muslims.
Against the law in most countries. Eg: Turkey, Tunisia and UK
what is polygamy?
more than one husband or wife at a time
why does polygamy vary between cultures?
RELIGION- Qur’an permits Muslim men to take up to 4 wives- reflected in laws of most Muslim countries.
TRADITION- Has been traditionally practiced in some African societies, declined sharply in recent decades
What is adultery?
sexual act between 2 people where 1 or both is married
how does adultery laws vary between cultures?
ILLEGAL- Muslim-majority countries, several Christian majority countries in Africa make it an offence. Phillippines, Taiwan and 21 US states it is illegal
LEGAL- most countries include UK. Ceased to be a crime in India 2018
Why do adultery laws vary between cultures?
RELIGION- most religions condemn adultery. 10 commandments shared by Christianity, Islam and Judaism. In societies where law making is influenced by religion= often a crime
POSITION OF WOMEN- laws against adultery are often found in societies where women occupy a very subordinate position.
How do homosexuality laws vary between cultures?
ILLEGAL- Male homosexulaity illegal in 72 countries. Female illegal in 45 countries. In 6 countries conviction can result in death penalty. Russia its legal but bans promotion
LEGAL- UK, Europe, North & South America. Indonesia
Why do homosexuality laws vary between cultures?
RELIGION- Christianity, Islam and Judaism have traditionally condemned.
PUBLIC OPINION- Polls done by PEW research centre show higher levels of support for bans on homosexuality in some countries
SEXISM- male homosexuality is a crime in more countries than lesbianism is - may be due to sexist assumptions by male law-makers that women are uncapable
How do cannabis laws vary between cultures?
ILLEGAL- UK- possession= up to 5 yrs, supply= up to 14yrs, european countries have similar laws relating to cannabis
LEGAL- Canada, Urugury & Portugal have legalised for personal, recreational or medical use.
Why do cannabis laws vary between cultures?
Different norms & values- some believe it should be a crime whereas some believe it should be up to the person what they want to do with their body
Different ideas about control- some believe harsh punishments are the best way to prevent drugs whereas some decriminalise it.
what year where all homosexual acts between men made a crime
1885
what year were homosexual acts between males over 21 legalised in england & wales
1967
what year was homosexuality legalised in scotland
1980
what year was homosexuality legalised in NI
1982