Social Construction Of Crime Flashcards
(6 cards)
Definition of social construction
A concept or perception of something based on the collective view of people within a society or social group.
How can perception of crime can change
From culture to culture
Over time
According to the circumstances
Place
Time
Examples of changing over time
1976 race relations act. Criminalise discrimination in housing, training and education and in the provision of goods and services. The Kent report was to inquire into the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence. Found collective racism exists in the police which failed to secure convictions. Extended the race relations act to cover all public services.
Changing over place examples
Abortions are legal in the UK but have restrictions as you can only have one within the first 24 weeks and after only for medical reasons. Whereas in the USA abortions have become illegal however if the mothers’ life is at risk they are allowed to have one. Kate Cox Abortion in Texas was pregnant but had a lethal foetus diagnosis but because the the law she could not abort to preserve her health and future fertility.
Laws changing depending on circumstances
For example murder vs manslaughter. If you stab someone you would get convicted of murder but if someone broke into your house and aimed a gun at you and you stabbed them with a knife you would get convicted of manslaughter or not convicted at all.
Examples of changing culture to culture
Polygamy is legal in 58 different countries which are mostly Muslim and African countries. It is illegal in the UK making it bigamy if you marry more than one person.
