2.3 Flashcards
What are all the Sociological theories?
Durkheim’s functionalist theory, Merton’s strain theory, Subculture theory, labelling theory, Marxist theory, Left realism, right realism, surveillance
Explain Durkheim’s Functionalist theory?
society is a stable structure based on shared norms and that most people do not deviate it. He said crime is inevitable as shared norms become weaker. He said crime preforms functions, 1. boundary Maintenance, meaning society unite against wrongdoer 2. social change, for society to progress people need to challenge its ideas. 3. safety valve, prostitution acts as a release for men’s frustration. 4. indicates something is wrong in society.
Explain Merton’s Strain theory?
He said root of crime is the unequal structure in society, the main goal is money success, but some cannot achieve this due to blocked opportunities. E.g. poverty and bad schools. Causes crime as people innovate and find ways to be successful illegitimately.
Explain the subculture theory?
Cohen said people with status frustration turn to crime to achieve illegitimately. They focus on crimes not to do with financial gain (vandalism). Subcultures offer them an alternative status hierarchy where they can gain respect from peers.
Explain labelling theory?
Differential enforcement of the law, police cause one group to be targeted more than another. So, police are more likely to arrest someone fitting the stereotype. This is pushed onto society and those fitting the stereotype are forced into subcultures creating self-fulfilling prophecy.
Explain the Marxist theory of crime?
Idea the dominate bourgeoise class are better than the working proletariat class. The capitalist society is built to keep this division. It says capitalism causes crime due to exploitation, advertising, greed, and frustration. White collar is an example of this e.g. 200 companies had broken H&S laws only 3 were prosecuted.
Explain right realism?
Rightists say that the way to reduce crime is by crackdown and harsh punishment as crime is a rational choice. They say the underclass fail to socialise children meaning they are more likely to commit crimes.
Explain Left Realism?
Left wingers say crime is caused by inequality, relative deprivation. People become frustrated seeing how others live and feel they cannot do anything about it.
Explain Surveillance theory?
Monitoring people and using CCTV. An example of this is the Panopticon an idea for a prison that if prisoners know they are being watched they will not commit the actions they would do otherwise.
