Chapter 4 Flashcards
What were the three key periods in the development of sociological positivism?
Mid 19th century to early 20th century sociology became an academic discipline, 1920’s to WWII sociology became a profession, then postwar sociology.
What happened in the first period? What beliefs were established about society and crime?
Scientific techniques for studying natural science were applied to sociology. Believed in a consensus of norms and harmony, believed that society formed behaviour so crime was believed to be caused by issues in society.
Who is the father of sociological positivism?
Emile Durkheim
What changes marked the 2nd period of development for sociological positivism?
Rise of expert/technological solutions to sociological problems which created professionalism, wide scale migration bc of war and class struggles
How did immigration impact crime rates?
Increases in crime, mostly perpetrated by locals. The change in society caused new crime, victimization of the immigrants.
What events marked the 3rd period?
Economic growth, introduction of suberbia, nuclear family, higher living standard.
So why did crime rates persist even in a more consistent era?
The distribution of opportunities and economic success were not even across all people (big divide between suburbs and city), mostly good for white people. Non-white people had very limited opportunities, weren’t allowed to buy houses, discrimination etc..
How does sociological positivism define crime?
As a social problem and violation of social norms caused by some form of social strain.
What does sociological positivism present as a response to crime?
Rehabilitation and resocialization (of conventional goals) of offenders, welfare supports to assure everyone’s basic needs are met.
What is the nature of offender according to s.p.?
Offenders are usually disadvantaged in some way and have limited options in their circumstances to achieve goals, might have to turn to crimee.
How is criminal behaviour learned?
In social situations
What is s.p. focused on analyzing?
effect of structural opportunities and cultural processes on crime, and nature of social learning
How does s.p. suggest to prevent crime?
Expand opportunities for disadvantaged people so they can achieve goals without criminality, foster healthy peer group activity, institutional reform
How does prison work in Norway?
The prison system is meant to mimic real life as much as possible, only punishment is removal of freedom, idea is to create good neighbours.
What are the results of Norway’s prison system?
Since it’s implementation in the 90’s, their recidivism is at 20% (wayyy higher in US and CA).
How is North Dakota being influenced by Norway’s system?
North Dakota has started making their prisons more homier, offer more freedom, more opportunities for positive socialization.
According to Durkheim, what is the relationship between society and crime?
Crime is an essential part of society, society shapes crime (cause), as social bonds fray crime rises, institutions become irrelevant bc no one believes the same thing.
How did Durkheim attempt to demonstrate the relationship between social structure and norms?
He studied rates of suicide.
What did Durkheim find about suicide?
Suicide is more common in protestant vs. catholic societies, not only explained by bio or psych factors, social too.
What is mechanical solidarity? How are criminals dealt with?
Preindustrial societies, individuals share skills and abilities, conform and have same culture. Criminals distanced, norms reaffirmed.
What is organic solidarity?
Industrial societies where people have different niche skills, people are linked through interdependence and law. Criminals are wanted to rehabilitate and reintegrate.
What is egoism?
The desires of one’s “pre-social” self, pure selfishness.
What is anomie?
Lack of social regulation and self control about desires.
What did The Chicago School examine?
The ecological effect on crime, how slums have similar destructive environmental traits and how that affects crime levels.
What is the Social Disorganization theory? Who?
Shaw and Mckay 1942 & 1972. Inclination to commit crime can be caused by the conditions of transitional slum areas.
What is the transitional slum area in Winnipeg?
Exchange district, north end, south portage, until st. B to the east, spence.
How do frequent changes in inhabitants affect crime rates and ecological conditions?
People don’t stay for long so they don’t care about maintaining their houses or areas, change of cultural and moral standards, all of these things lead to higher crime rates bc there is no consensus or community.
Why do so many young Indigenous youth join gangs?
Withstanding legacy of residential schools and colonization leaves Indigenous people suffering economically and socially. A lot of Indigenous youth grow up around gang activity, drug use, alcoholism, violence, so it is the only way of life they know, or have access to.
What are some motivations to join a gang?
Belonging and identity (especially big for Indigenous youth who may have fractured identities due to colonization), money, protection (esp in prison).
