Crime - Sociological Explanations On Role Of Punishment Flashcards
(41 cards)
What is the primary function of punishment according to Functionalism?
Deterrence
Punishment serves as a warning to offenders and the public, preventing re-offending by making prison seem tough and unpleasant.
How does punishment contribute to boundary maintenance in society?
By confirming shared values and legal boundaries through court cases and media coverage
This process reminds the public of what is legal and illegal, reinforcing societal norms.
What effect does the visibility of punishment have on public behavior?
It prevents the public from committing crime due to fear of imprisonment
The public does not want to experience the consequences of being sent to prison.
What criticism is associated with the effectiveness of punishment as a deterrent?
High re-offending rates suggest punishment does not deter crime
Prisons can become breeding grounds for crime, where inmates learn new criminal strategies.
What analogy is used to describe prisons in the context of criminal behavior?
Prisons are likened to Universities for criminals
This implies that prisoners acquire new skills and knowledge about crime while incarcerated.
Fill in the blank: Punishment acts as a warning to offenders and the public, preventing _______.
re-offending
The harsh conditions of prison are intended to deter future criminal behavior.
What is the main concept of functionalism in relation to retribution?
Offenders deserve to be punished for breaking the law and shared norms of society
Functionalism emphasizes the importance of societal values and norms in the context of punishment.
How do communities react to horrific crimes like murder and child abuse?
Communities come together in shared upset, leave flowers, messages, and light candles
This public mourning reflects a collective response to violence and injustice.
What sense does punishment of offenders provide to communities?
A sense of justice, which helps to restore social solidarity
Communities feel united in their belief that offenders should be punished.
What are the criticisms regarding the effectiveness of prisons in providing retribution?
Funding cuts and staff shortages lead to a lack of authority, allowing prisoners to act freely
This raises questions about the justice offered to communities through imprisonment.
What is the main aim of punishment according to Right Realism?
To incarcerate criminals for public safety
Right Realism emphasizes a tough stance on crime, particularly street crime.
Who does Right Realism consider to be the real criminals?
Those from the underclass who live off benefits and commit petty crimes
This perspective highlights a perceived threat to society’s work ethic.
What is the recommended punishment for offenders according to Right Realism?
Harsh punishments with long prison sentences
This approach aims to send a clear message about unacceptable behavior.
What is a criticism of mass incarceration?
It does not work and leads to a growing prison population from low-income backgrounds
This raises concerns about the effectiveness and costs of imprisonment.
How much does it cost the taxpayer to keep one person in prison per year?
£36,000
This figure highlights the financial burden of mass incarceration on society.
What alternative form of punishment does the text suggest?
Community service
This allows offenders to give something back to the community instead of being locked up.
Fill in the blank: The punishment of offenders gives communities a sense of _______.
justice
This sense of justice is crucial for restoring social solidarity.
What is the main purpose of punishment according to Left Realism?
To rehabilitate offenders and change their behavior to prevent re-offending.
This perspective emphasizes the need for education and skills training for prisoners.
What background do a high number of offenders come from?
Working class, deprived, low income backgrounds.
Approximately 25% of prisoners in England and Wales have a reading age of a 10-year-old and no educational qualifications.
What types of programs should prisons offer to offenders?
Education and skills training, counselling, and group therapy sessions.
These programs are intended to help prisoners secure legitimate jobs upon release and change their thinking about crime.
What is a criticism of the education provided in prisons?
It is inadequate, with examples such as coloring in ‘Peppa Pig’.
Significant funding cuts have led to a lack of effective educational programs.
What ideological function do prisons serve according to Marxism?
To maintain the power and control of the ruling class over the working class.
Prisons are seen as a means to perpetuate class inequality.
How does media representation affect public perception of crime?
It portrays working class offenders as the typical criminals, leading to public fear of street crimes.
This diverts attention from corporate crime committed by the powerful.
What does the ruling class ensure regarding the punishment of working class offenders?
That the police and courts are tough on them and that their punishment is widely reported in the media.
This reinforces stereotypes and shapes public opinion about crime.
