Crime and deviance

Question 1

4x positive functions of crime

Answer 1

• Boundary maintenance & Social cohesion (Durkheim)
• Adaptation and change (Durkheim)
• Warning sign (Cohen)
• Safety valve (Davis)

Question 2

Definition of boundary maintenance

Answer 2

Crime allows society to reinforce what is acceptable behaviour

Question 3

Definition of adaptation and change

Answer 3

Deviation is necessary to allow society to move forward and progress

Question 4

Definition of warning sign

Answer 4

Crime can be a sign that something in society is not functioning as it should be

Question 5

Definition of safety valve

Answer 5

Deviancy can help prevent larger more serious crimes

Question 6

Who suggested strain theory

Answer 6

merton

Question 7

5 types of strain

Answer 7

• Conformity
• Innovation
• Ritualism
• Rebellion
• Retreatism

Question 8

Conformity definition

Answer 8

Accepting goals and means

Question 9

Innovation definition

Answer 9

Accepting goals but choosing alternative means

Question 10

Ritualism definition

Answer 10

Following means but not believing you will achieve them

Question 11

Rebellion definition

Answer 11

rejecting goals and creating own means

Question 12

Retreatism definition

Answer 12

rejecting goals and means but not replacing them

Question 13

Status frustration - cohen

Answer 13

Individuals get frustrated by their inability to achieve goals so turn to crime to achieve status

Question 14

Illegitimate opportunity structures - cloward and ohlin

Answer 14

criminal subcultures - socialise young people into criminal activity
conflict subcultures - little social cohesion
retreatist subcultures - failure to gain access to other two subcultures

Question 15

Focal concerns - miller

Answer 15

Working class have different values which can lead to criminal behaviour appearing normal

Question 16

Control theory hirschi

Answer 16

suggests strong bonds with society stops people from committing crime

Question 17

4 aspects of hirschis control theory

Answer 17

Belief
attachment
involvement
commitment

Question 18

Gordon (marxism)

Answer 18

Crime is a rational reaction to capitalism which is why its found in all social classes

Question 19

Reiman (marxism)

Answer 19

ruling class are more likely to commit crime but less likely to have offences treated as criminal

Question 20

Chambliss (marxism)

Answer 20

Law is shaped to protect the rich and powerful

Question 21

2x - marxist theory

Answer 21

• Ignores other causes of crime
• Ignores victims of crime

Question 22

3x neo marxist beliefs

Answer 22

• Capitalism is based on exploitation and understanding this is key to understanding crime
• The state creates laws for the benefit of the ruling class
• Capitalism should be replaced with a classless society

Question 23

3x consequences of labelling

Answer 23

• Self fulfilling prophecy
• Deviancy amplification
• Master status

Question 24

Cicourel (interactionism)

Answer 24

labelling is what leads to selective law enforcement and negotiation of justice

Question 25

left realist view of crime

Answer 25

follow the marxist view but believe that gradual change is necessary

Question 26

Right realist view of crime

Answer 26

see street crime as a real and growing problem that destroys communities and undermines social cohesion

Question 27

control theory - hiedenson

Answer 27

women commit less crime than men due to patriarchal control