week 6

Question 1

What are the three main determinants of crime according to Van Dijk et al.?

Answer 1

1. Motivational factors: poverty, inequality, unemployment, youth population.
2. Opportunity factors: urbanization, wealth, social cohesion.
3. Governance: rule of law, corruption, state legitimacy.

Question 2

Which theories explain the motivational factors behind crime?

Answer 2

Durkheim’s Anomie Theory: Normlessness from rapid social change.

Merton’s Strain Theory: Economic hardship leads to deviance

Question 3

What does Routine Activity Theory (Cohen & Felson) suggest about crime?

Answer 3

Crime occurs when motivated offenders, suitable targets, and lack of guardianship converge in time and space.

Question 4

What role does governance play in crime levels?

Answer 4

Strong governance and rule of law reduce crime, while corruption and weak institutions increase it (Acemoglu & Robinson).

Question 5

What is Social Disorganization Theory?

Answer 5

Shaw & McKay’s theory links economic deprivation, high mobility, and ethnic heterogeneity to weak social cohesion and higher crime.

Question 6

What is the main idea behind Broken Windows Theory (Kelling & Wilson)?

Answer 6

Signs of physical disorder signal neglect, leading to higher fear and crime rates.

Question 7

Why do some neighborhoods feel unsafe despite falling crime rates?

Answer 7

Persistent issues like physical disorder, economic disadvantage, and weak community ties maintain unsafety perceptions (Glas, Rotterdam study).