Social Distribution Of Crime By Class Flashcards
(11 cards)
What are subcultural attitudes?
The idea that some cultures are more likely to commit crimes because of there norms and values. W.c has it own distinct values including toughness, trouble, autonomy, excitement which arguably lead to them committing more crime.
These are called focal concerns.
What is white collar crime?
This is crime committed by a person of high social status.
They bring less physical violence but can be damaging economically.
Some sociologists say this shows crime isn’t committed mainly by the w.c.
What is selective law enforcement?
The idea that: not all laws are enforced equally some powerful groups just ignore them, law enforcement is influenced by power meaning working class are more likely to be targeted, selective law enforcement usually focuses on street crime rather then white collar mainting social class inequality.
What is relative deprivation?
This is when people feel deprived in comparison to their peers. It can happen at any level of wealth as it is relative however many effects the working class as they feel deprived most. In response to this people can commit crimes to close the relative gap. This means working class are more likely to commit crimes than middle class.
What is strain theory?
This is when people can’t achieve societies goals due to barriers. In response they seek illegitimate opportunities in criminal subcultures to fight the strain. Working class experience more strain therefore commit more crime.
The social construction of crime for the w.c
The reason the working class commit more crime is not due to them being more criminal. It is due to them being policed and searched more frequently therefore naturally they appear more criminal as they are getting caught more.
What does merton talk about?
Strain theory
What do Newburn and rock talk about?
The social construction of class crime.
What does snider talk about?
Selective law enforcement
What do Lea and young talk about?
Relative deprivation
What does miller talk about?
Focal concerns- sub cultural attitudes.
