Social Harms and Zemiology Flashcards
(28 cards)
Which perspective influences the social harm perspective?
developed out of critical criminology.
According to the social harm perspective, why is it problematic to ask why certain people commit crime?
Because the concept of ‘crime’ is socially constructed, and focusing only on state-defined crime ignores broader social harms.
What concept did Lombroso introduce regarding criminals?
Lombroso introduced the idea of atavism, suggesting that criminals are less evolved than normal people and can be identified by their physical characteristics.
What is biological essentialism in the context of Lombroso’s theories?
that criminals are born like that instead of taught
what can be used to highlight state defined crime and lombrosos biological essentialism
Dangerous Dogs Act - Breed Specific legislation
Canning & Tombs, 2021
It treats certain dog breeds as naturally dangerous, similar to Lombroso’s belief in inborn criminal traits.
Laws that ban or restrict dogs based on breed or appearance (e.g., “pit bull”), assuming danger is inherent, not situational (RSPCA, 2016).
Who were key figures in developing the social harm perspective?
Hillyard, Tombs, Canning, Pemberton
How does Canning & Tombs (2021) critique BSL?
They argue it reflects stereotypes based on appearance rather than behaviour — a modern form of biological essentialism.
How can BSL reinforce social inequality?
It disproportionately affects working-class and racialised communities, contributing to over-policing of marginalised groups.
What is zemiology?
The study of social harms, proposed as a separate discipline from criminology that critiques the limits of legal definitions of crime.
How can the criminal justice system itself cause harm?
By punishing people in ways that worsen their situation—e.g. sending drug users to prison where they may have greater access to drugs.
Does zemiology dismiss traditional crimes like violence?
No
it recognises them but argues that other widespread harms (e.g. poverty, neglect, marginalisation) often receive less attention despite greater impact.
What does it mean to say “crime has no ontological reality”?
It means crime doesn’t objectively exist in the world—it is socially constructed, and we only know something is a crime if the law says so
Why is it problematic that crime consists mostly of petty events?
Because most legally defined crimes are relatively minor, while more serious harms (e.g. corporate wrongdoing, government neglect) are not criminalised.
Why is the construction of crime considered class-biased?
Law focuses on individual guilt (mens rea), making it hard to prosecute institutions or elites, as seen in cases like Grenfell, where corporate intent is hard to prove.
What is the critique of crime control systems like prisons?
They are largely ineffective, don’t rehabilitate, have high reoffending rates, and instead reproduce harm, especially for marginalised populations.
How do prisons relate to power and inequality?
Prisons act as warehouses for ‘problem populations’, disproportionately targeting racialised and working-class individuals, while profiting private companies.
How does the category of crime expand state power?
By framing certain acts as crimes, the state legitimises control, punishment, and surveillance, often protecting the powerful while criminalising the vulnerable.
Who defines crime and why does it matter?
The state and powerful groups define crime, meaning laws often serve their interests and ignore or downplay harms they themselves may cause
In what stages did zemiology develop
criminology–> critical criminology—> social harm perspective—> zemiology
What is the argument for zemiology as a separate discipline?
Some argue that social harm goes beyond criminology, requiring its own field—zemiology—to fully address issues that criminology neglects or upholds.
What does the social harms approach offer for prevention?
It encourages more effective responses rooted in human rights and justice for all, not just punitive measures.
What social harms are highlighted by Pemberton
Pemberton examines homicide, suicide, infant mortality, obesity, road traffic accidents, poverty, long working hours, youth unemployment, and social isolation.
What is the main strength of social harms/Zemiology?
It provides a broader and more inclusive focus on harmful acts, going beyond the confines of criminal law.
What is a criticism of the concept of “social harm”?
The concept is too broad and lacks specificity, making it difficult to apply consistently.
