unit two - ac2.3

Question 1

Marxism (sociological theory)

Answer 1

• assumes that disadvantaged social class is the primary cause of crime as a result of unfavourable conditions
• see crime as something inevitable in a capitalist society
• argue that crimes committed by the less powerful are more focused on
• argue that different social classes are policed differently, working class are heavily policed
• government fabricate stats to suit their purposes and get public support, believe that on average 42% of stats presented by the gov are false + misleading

Question 2

Crime and Functionalist approach (sociological theory)

Answer 2

• crime is inevitable
• not every member of society can be equally committed to the collective sentiments or values and beliefs
• crime is considered as functional, only dysfunctional when the rates are high or low
• if collective sentiments are too weak there will be too much crime, status quo breaks down
• crime strengthens social cohesion

Question 3

Functions of Crime - social integration

Answer 3

• cohesion that members of society experience when they share a collective expectation of the norms and values within their community

Question 4

Functions of Crime - social regulation

Answer 4

• one of the functions that societal structures carry out in managing public interests, law enforcers send a messages to the rest of society that such deviant behaviour wont be tolerated

Question 5

Functions of Crime - social change

Answer 5

• deviant behaviour causes people to reflect on what is or isnt allowed within a particular society

Question 6

Merton’s Strain Theory - sociological theory

Answer 6

• society encourages us to strive the material goals of success but doesnt provide the means to achieve success
• working-class people more likely to have blocked opportunities, experience feelings of strain and anomie
• innovate, ritualistic, retreatist, rebels

Question 7

Interactionism - sociological theory

Answer 7

• how people in society interact with eachother
• use labeling theory, once an act is labeled as deviant the person views themselves as deviant ‘master status’
• begin to behave in a way that mirrors the label
• media contributes by demonising people creating moral panic and amplifying situations

Question 8

Right Realism - sociological theory

Answer 8

• considers crime from the perspective of political conservatism, standpoint of getting tough on crime
• states that everyone is tempted to commit crime but stopped by social bonds
• single parents, boys grow up without appropriate role models, crime proves that they are men
• question the view that economic factors are behind rising crime rates and individuals were more likely to commit when social constraints on behaviour were weakened

Question 9

Left Realism - sociological theory

Answer 9

• suggests that crime lies in the inequalities created by a capitalist society
• believe that both practical measures to reduce crime and a long-term change towards a more equal, caring society are needed