Unit 2 - Sociological Theories

Question 1

Describe Functionalism as a theory of crime

Answer 1

• Created by Emile Durkheim
• Crime is inevitable and necessary for society to function
• Without crime and punishment, we wouldn’t be able to determine what is right and wrong
• Social cohesion - people come together in mutual outrage in response to certain crimes

Question 2

Describe Left Realism as a theory of crime

Answer 2

• Created by George Mead
• A liberal approach to criminal justice - a more compassionate approach - and has a belief in rehabilitation
• As certain groups are marginalized by society they commit crime to lash out or out of basic need
• Crime prevention should be based on early intervention and working with disadvantaged groups

Question 3

Describe Right Realism as a theory of crime

Answer 3

• Created by James Q. Wilson
• Believes in harsh penalties as a deterrent
• Blames “under class” for crime
• Blames individuals - lack of self control / rational crime

Question 4

Describe Interactionism as a theory of crime

Answer 4

• Created by Jock Young
• How people in society interact with each other
• Crime is socially constructed - as society labels acts as deviant (Becker’s)
• Once labelled - a person mirrors this - becomes a master status and contributes to self fulfilling prophecy (internalise label)