WEEK 12

Question 1

What theories are under the functionalist theory?

Answer 1

• strain theory
• opportunity theory
• social control/social bonding

Question 2

What is the strain theory? (testable)

Answer 2

• “the opportunity makes the thief”
• not everyone has the opportunities to reach their goal
• when people have to struggle to reach their goals –> deviant behaviour
• using shortcuts (OC) to achieve your goals (money, success)

Question 3

What is Merton’s deviance criteria of strain theory?

Answer 3

• ritualism = rejecting the goal and focusing instead on the means of achieving it
• retreat = rejecting both the goals and means of society
• rebel = against the society that has denied an individual opportunities for success

Question 4

What is the opportunity theory?

Answer 4

• people engage in deviant behaviour because they have access to illegitimate behaviours
• weighing benefits and risks
• access to illegal markets or criminal networks shape criminal behaviour
• EXAMPLE = gambling - excitement, win money, availability of gambling, influence decision

Question 5

What is social control/social bonding theory?

Answer 5

• weak social bonds –> attachment to delinquent peers –> delinquency
• good social bonds keep people from becoming criminals
• external restraints of public shame or social ostracism
• internal restraints of superego/conscience (guilt)

Question 6

What theories are under the symbolic interactionist theory?

Answer 6

• different association
• labelling theory
• primary/secondary deviance

Question 7

What is the symbolic interactionist theory?

Answer 7

• individuals create and interpret meaning through interactions with others
• role of language, symbols, and communication

Question 8

What is the functionalist theory?

Answer 8

• many things work together
• society is a complex system of interdependent parts that work together to maintain social stability and order
• importance of social institutions and shared values in ensuring a functioning society

Question 9

What is the differential association theory?

Answer 9

• criminal behaviour is learned by those who want to imitate and these people turn into criminals
• copying, mimicking, or emulating someone else’s behaviour
• a person becomes deviant when exposure to law-breaking attitudes is pervasive
• peer pressure

Question 10

What are the 3 functions that reinforce tendency to imitate and absorb criminal theory? (testable)

Answer 10

• intensity
• frequency
• duration of contact with group

Question 11

What is the labelling theory?

Answer 11

• role of social labels such as “deviant” or “criminal” in shaping individuals’ self-concept or behaviour
• those who are labeled as deviant or criminal by society are usually stigmatized and marginalized leading them to adopt these identities and engage in further deviant or criminal behaviour

Question 12

What is primary/secondary deviance?

Answer 12

• key part of labelling theory
• primary = first act of deviance or rule-breaking behaviour that may not necessarily be significant or consequential in itself - if this behaviour is labeled by others as deviant or criminal it can lead to the individual being stigmatized or marginalized
• secondary = continued and escalated deviant behaviour that arises as a result of the individual’s reaction to the label of deviant or criminal - if the individual begins to identify with the labels they may adopt a deviant identity and further and reinforce the rule-breaking behaviour

Question 13

What theories are under the conflict theory?

Answer 13

• conflict approach
• feminist theory

Question 14

What is the conflict theory?

Answer 14

• society is a system characterized by inequality and competition for power and resources
• social institutions perpetuate these inequalities

Question 15

What is feminist theory?

Answer 15

• addresses unequal power dynamics between genders and promote gender equality and empowerment of women
• challenges societal structures and norms that perpetuate gender inequality

Question 16

What is postmodern theory?

Answer 16

• role of language, discourse, and power in shaping perceptions of reality and calls for critical examination and subversion of dominant discourses and power structures

Question 17

What is the rational choice theory?

Answer 17

• an individual might make a rational decision to join a gang through imitation and past experience to calculate effectiveness of future behaviours
• people choose to commit criminal acts
• the criminal must take responsibility and make better choices

Question 18

What is the subculture theory?

Answer 18

• subgroups within a larger society
• subcultures emerge when a group of people share unique values, norms, and behaviours that differentiate them from the dominant culture
• provides a sense of identity and belonging for those who feel alienated and marginalized by the dominant culture

Question 19

What is the ethnic succession theory?

Answer 19

• emergence of criminal gangs within immigrant ethnic communities motivated by financial and social hardships some members might face
• usually in poorer areas of a society

Question 20

What is the underclass theory?

Answer 20

• distinct social group that is separated from rest of society by cultural, social, economic barriers
• excluded from full participation in mainstream economy and society

Question 21

What are the 4 ways sociologists classify crime? (testable)

Answer 21

• street crime
• occupational and corporate crime
• organized crime
• political crimes

Question 22

Sociology - what is street crime?

Answer 22

• violent crimes (murder)
• property crimes (theft)
• moral crimes (prostitution)

Question 23

Sociology - what is occupational and corporate crime?

Answer 23

• illegal activities of people in course of employment or dealing with financial affairs
• committed by corporate employees on behalf of corporation with its support

Question 24

Sociology - what is organized crime?

Answer 24

• business operation that supplies illegal goods for services and profit

Question 25

Sociology - what is political crime?

Answer 25

• illegal or unethical acts involving misuse of power by govt officials
• acts perpetrated against govt by outsiders seeking to make a political statement, undermine govt, or overthrow it

Question 26

What is tribalism? (testable)

Answer 26

• mindset and behaviour
• loyalty and attachment to one’s group
• cultural, ethnic, religious, or political affiliations
• views other groups as inferior or a threat

Question 27

What is adaptability? (testable)

Answer 27

• criminal organizations are highly adaptable
• adjusting activities and lifestyles to fit new social conditions
• adaptability enhances survival

Question 28

What is the Bandello effect? (testable)

Answer 28

• gangs offer young people status, recognition, security, opportunities for excitement when conventional social institutions do not meet these needs
• be somebody –> get respect