Unit 4.1: Social Process Theories Flashcards
Sociological lens
A way of viewing the world that considers the relationship between individuals and society
Social process theories
The theory that criminality is a function of people’s interactions with various organizations, institutions and processes within a society
What are the prominent areas of social processes that criminologists study?
- Families
- Peer groups
- Schools
- Churches/other groups
Labelling Theory
The theory that people become criminals when labelled as such and accept the label as a personal identity
What are the basic ideas of labelling theory?
- Behaviours that are criminal are highly subjective
- Crime is defined by those in power
- Both people and acts are labelled
Stigmatize
To apply negative labelling with enduring effects on a person’s self image and social interactions
Primary deviance
A violation of norms that doesn’t result in long term consequences for the individual
Secondary deviance
A violation of norms that comes to the attention of significant people and results in long-term consequences
Deviance amplification
The process where secndary deviance pushes offenders out of mainstream society and locks them into a escalating cycle of deviance and criminal behaviour.
Social learning theory
The theory that crime is a product of learning the norms, values and behaviours associated with criminal activity
Pro-social behaviour
Behaviour that is positive, constructive and helpful
Anti-social behaviour
Behaviour that is negative and destructive, often learned from parents
Differential Association Theory
The theory that people commit crime when their social learning leads them to favour criminal behaviour over conventional behaviour
Basic ideas of Differential Association Theory
- Criminals are made not born
- Crime is learned through ones interactions with others (peers, friends, family)
- Learning criminal behaviour means internalizing the techniques, attitudes and motivations of crime
- Person becomes criminal when they perceive violating the law more appealing
Affluenza
The negative psychological effects of being very wealthy/high social status
