Crime - Sociological Explanations On Role Of Punishment

Question 1

What is the primary function of punishment according to Functionalism?

Answer 1

Deterrence

Punishment serves as a warning to offenders and the public, preventing re-offending by making prison seem tough and unpleasant.

Question 2

How does punishment contribute to boundary maintenance in society?

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

What effect does the visibility of punishment have on public behavior?

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

What criticism is associated with the effectiveness of punishment as a deterrent?

Answer 4

High re-offending rates suggest punishment does not deter crime

Prisons can become breeding grounds for crime, where inmates learn new criminal strategies.

Question 5

What analogy is used to describe prisons in the context of criminal behavior?

Answer 5

Prisons are likened to Universities for criminals

This implies that prisoners acquire new skills and knowledge about crime while incarcerated.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: Punishment acts as a warning to offenders and the public, preventing _______.

Answer 6

re-offending

The harsh conditions of prison are intended to deter future criminal behavior.

Question 7

What is the main concept of functionalism in relation to retribution?

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

How do communities react to horrific crimes like murder and child abuse?

Answer 8

Communities come together in shared upset, leave flowers, messages, and light candles

This public mourning reflects a collective response to violence and injustice.

Question 9

What sense does punishment of offenders provide to communities?

Answer 9

A sense of justice, which helps to restore social solidarity

Communities feel united in their belief that offenders should be punished.

Question 10

What are the criticisms regarding the effectiveness of prisons in providing retribution?

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

What is the main aim of punishment according to Right Realism?

Answer 11

To incarcerate criminals for public safety

Right Realism emphasizes a tough stance on crime, particularly street crime.

Question 12

Who does Right Realism consider to be the real criminals?

Answer 12

Those from the underclass who live off benefits and commit petty crimes

This perspective highlights a perceived threat to society’s work ethic.

Question 13

What is the recommended punishment for offenders according to Right Realism?

Answer 13

Harsh punishments with long prison sentences

This approach aims to send a clear message about unacceptable behavior.

Question 14

What is a criticism of mass incarceration?

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

How much does it cost the taxpayer to keep one person in prison per year?

Answer 15

£36,000

This figure highlights the financial burden of mass incarceration on society.

Question 16

What alternative form of punishment does the text suggest?

Answer 16

Community service

This allows offenders to give something back to the community instead of being locked up.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: The punishment of offenders gives communities a sense of _______.

Answer 17

justice

This sense of justice is crucial for restoring social solidarity.

Question 18

What is the main purpose of punishment according to Left Realism?

Answer 18

To rehabilitate offenders and change their behavior to prevent re-offending.

This perspective emphasizes the need for education and skills training for prisoners.

Question 19

What background do a high number of offenders come from?

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

What types of programs should prisons offer to offenders?

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

What is a criticism of the education provided in prisons?

Answer 21

It is inadequate, with examples such as coloring in ‘Peppa Pig’.

Significant funding cuts have led to a lack of effective educational programs.

Question 22

What ideological function do prisons serve according to Marxism?

Answer 22

To maintain the power and control of the ruling class over the working class.

Prisons are seen as a means to perpetuate class inequality.

Question 23

How does media representation affect public perception of crime?

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

What does the ruling class ensure regarding the punishment of working class offenders?

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

What does labelling theory argue about police targeting of offenders?

Answer 25

The police target working class offenders because they fit the 'typical delinquent' stereotype. ## Footnote This includes characteristics such as being working class and belonging to ethnic minorities.

Question 26

Fill in the blank: A high number of offenders come from _____ backgrounds.

Answer 26

working class, deprived, low income

Question 27

True or False: The public often associates crime primarily with the working class.

Answer 27

True

Question 28

Do prisons work in the UK?

Answer 28

YES ## Footnote This question addresses the effectiveness of prisons in achieving their intended goals.

Question 29

What is one way in which incarceration keeps the public safe?

Answer 29

Lock up dangerous criminals. ## Footnote This focuses on the role of incarceration in protecting society from harmful individuals.

Question 30

What role does prison play as a form of deterrence?

Answer 30

Acts as a warning to the public; prison is tough and unpleasant. ## Footnote The unpleasant nature of prison is intended to prevent others from committing crimes.

Question 31

What do Functionalists call the concept of prison reminding the public of legal boundaries?

Answer 31

Boundary maintenance. ## Footnote This concept emphasizes the reinforcement of societal norms through punishment.

Question 32

According to Right Realists, what is the effect of incarceration on the underclass?

Answer 32

Removes the underclass from our streets. ## Footnote This perspective views incarceration as a means to protect societal work ethic.

Question 33

What is one aim of rehabilitation in prisons?

Answer 33

Education and training programmes. ## Footnote These programmes aim to help offenders gain employment after leaving prison.

Question 34

What is one criticism of prisons regarding rehabilitation?

Answer 34

Fail to rehabilitate offenders. ## Footnote Critics argue that prisons do not effectively change offender behavior.

Question 35

What is an example of inadequate education programmes in prisons?

Answer 35

Colouring in Peppa Pig. ## Footnote This highlights the trivial nature of some educational activities offered to inmates.

Question 36

What mental health issue do offenders face upon leaving prison?

Answer 36

No mental health support or counselling. ## Footnote The lack of support may hinder their reintegration into society.

Question 37

What is a consequence of high re-offending rates?

Answer 37

High numbers of prisoners commit more crimes after leaving prison. ## Footnote This indicates the failure of prisons to deter future criminal behavior.

Question 38

How do some view prison life compared to life outside?

Answer 38

Some see prison as a way of life. ## Footnote This perspective suggests that prisoners may prefer the structure and provision of prison life.

Question 39

What has become an increasing problem in prisons?

Answer 39

Drugs, particularly spice. ## Footnote The prevalence of drugs in prisons contributes to ongoing criminal behavior among inmates.

Question 40

What do prisoners often do due to staff shortages and cutbacks?

Answer 40

Have parties in their cells with drugs and alcohol. ## Footnote This indicates a lack of control and oversight within the prison system.

Question 41

Fill in the blank: Prisons are like ______ for criminals.

Answer 41

Universities ## Footnote This metaphor suggests that prisons can be places where criminals learn new techniques.