crime - social: dat Flashcards
(3 cards)
methodology
P: weakness is that it’s difficult to test scientifically, so it heavily relies on correlation.
E: Cox et al argues that it’s challenging to measure the number and strength of associations or to determine what ratio of favourable to unfavourable influences leads to criminal behaviour.
T: Therefore this is a weakness as it undermine the empirical reliability and validity of the theory as we can’t operationalise and measure precise mechanisms accurately or establish a cause and effect. Therefore limiting the theories utility in practical interventions as there’s no way to manipulate the “balance” of how much someone is influenced.
supportive evidence
P: strength is that there’s supportive research that demonstrates how associations with interpersonal groups can link to criminal behvaiour
E: Akers et al surveyed 2,500 adolescents in the US and found most important influence on deviant behaviour (like drinking and drug behaviour) was from peers. Differential association, differential reinforcement combined to account for 68% of the variance in marijuana use and 55% of alcohol use
T: The large sample increases the generalisability, which is therefore a strength as the evidence clearly shows how deviant criminal behaviour is learn from our personal intimate groups.
COUNTER: research lacks historical validity as these behaviours (although illegal in 1979) are now legalised in many parts of the US and are no longer criminal behaviours. So cannot say that differential association leads to criminal behaviour
explain all types
P: weakness is that it won’t explain all types of criminal behaviour. SLT is confined to “smaller” crimes rather than violent/impulsive offences like rape or murder. Additionally it won’t explain why offences are committed by younger people
E: Newburn found 40% of offences are committed by individuals under 21.
T: Therefore this is a weakness because it only offers a partial explanation of criminal behaviour, failing to account for age-related patterns in offending or impulsive emotionally driven offences.
HOWEVER: That said, ONS found that in England + Wales there was 500 homicides compared to 400,000 burglaries in 2014. So smaller crimes do make up majority of offences, meaning the explanation is still somewhat useful.
