week 5 Flashcards
What is the Etymology of Crime?
Originates from Latin “crīmen,” meaning accusation, misdeed, or offense.
Criminalization evolves over time (e.g., blasphemy and adultery no longer crimes in Europe).
Reflects changing societal values, with increased seriousness toward crimes like rape.
What are the Historical Crime Typologies?
Crimes categorized as against God (moral), property, persons, or public order (e.g., vagrancy).
Legal codification accelerated in the mid-18th century (e.g., Bloody Code, Napoleon’s Code).
What is the relationship between Urbanization and Crime?
Crime concentration in cities linked to urbanization and social disorganization (Chicago School).
Durkheim’s anomie explains urban crime as disconnect from social norms.
How did Living Conditions shape crime perception?
Poor urban slums increased fear of lower classes.
Ethnographic research by reformers sought to improve housing and labor conditions.
Why were the Irish overrepresented in UK crime stats (1861–1901)?
Irish migration during the Great Famine led to overrepresentation in labor and crime.
Anomie and discrimination worsened their social conditions (Swift, 1997).
What are the key ideas of Theories of Othering?
Hegel’s “Other” concept: self-definition through contrast with others.
Othering justifies exclusion/control by dominant groups, creating anxiogenic narratives.
What is the Irish Frankenstein stereotype?
Depicted Irish as violent and dangerous to society (e.g., Punch, 1882).
Symbolized English fears around Irish migration and cultural behavior.
What are the Stages of Moral Panics?
Events perceived as threats to social values amplified by media.
Leaders respond with counter-policies; anxieties often dissipate quickly.
Cohen (1973): Folk devils; Goode & Ben-Yehuda (1994): Concern, hostility, disproportionality.
What are the Defining Elements of Moral Panics?
Include concern, hostility, consensus, disproportionality, and volatility.
Media and public reaction exaggerate perceived threats.
What does Slum Growth reveal about social issues?
Visible crime in deteriorating slums fueled fears of “criminogenic” groups.
Stereotyping and increased policing emerged from these perceptions.
What are the Key Developments in Criminal Record-Keeping?
Late 18th century: England began collecting detailed personal data on criminals.
Motivations: Understanding criminality and empirical data collection (e.g., Foucault’s “governmentality”).
What are the Key Ideas in National Statistical Histories?
Transition from early census methods to modern statistical harmonization.
Examples: US Statistical Revolution (Duncan & Shelton), Russia (Goskomstat), France (INSEE).
How have Technological Advancements shaped statistics?
Enabled sampling, national accounting, and IT in policy-making.
Innovations by A. N. Kiaer (sampling techniques) and ISI (statistical coordination).
What is Statistical Internationalism?
Balancing national interests and harmonization led to independent bodies like ISI.
Key figure: Adolphe Quetelet (international congresses).
