Socialogical Theories Flashcards
(40 cards)
What is the primary focus of sociological theories in criminology?
The primary focus is to understand how social structures, relationships, and cultural norms influence criminal behavior.
True or False: Sociological theories suggest that crime is solely a result of individual choice.
False
What does the term ‘anomie’ refer to in sociological theories?
Anomie refers to a state of normlessness where societal norms are unclear or breaking down, leading to increased deviance.
Fill in the blank: According to ______ theory, crime is a result of social inequality and class conflict.
Marxist
Which sociological theory emphasizes the role of social disorganization in crime?
Social Disorganization Theory
What does the Labeling Theory suggest about deviance?
Labeling Theory suggests that deviance is a result of being labeled as deviant by society, which can lead to further deviant behavior.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a key concept of Social Learning Theory? A) Observational Learning B) Reinforcement C) Genetic Predisposition D) Imitation
C) Genetic Predisposition
What is the main argument of Strain Theory?
Strain Theory argues that society sets culturally approved goals and means, and when individuals cannot achieve these, they resort to crime.
True or False: The Control Theory posits that individuals commit crimes when their social bonds are weak.
True
What is the focus of Routine Activity Theory?
Routine Activity Theory focuses on the availability of suitable targets, absence of capable guardians, and motivated offenders as key factors in crime occurrence.
Fill in the blank: The ______ perspective highlights how societal structures and power dynamics affect crime rates and definitions of crime.
Critical
Which sociological theory is associated with Edwin Sutherland?
Differential Association Theory
What does the term ‘relative deprivation’ mean in criminology?
Relative deprivation refers to the perception of being worse off than others, which can lead to feelings of injustice and potentially criminal behavior.
Multiple Choice: Which theory suggests that crime results from a breakdown of community institutions? A) Social Learning Theory B) Social Disorganization Theory C) Strain Theory D) Labeling Theory
B) Social Disorganization Theory
True or False: Conflict Theory views laws as tools used by the powerful to maintain social control.
True
What is the main idea of Feminist Criminology?
Feminist Criminology examines how gender influences crime and the criminal justice system, highlighting issues of patriarchy and gender inequality.
Fill in the blank: ______ Theory argues that crime is the result of socialization processes within a given culture.
Cultural Transmission
What is the focus of the Broken Windows Theory?
The Broken Windows Theory focuses on maintaining and monitoring urban environments to prevent small crimes, which can lead to larger crimes.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a key concept of Social Control Theory? A) Social Bonds B) Anomie C) Labeling D) Opportunity
A) Social Bonds
What does the term ‘moral panic’ refer to in criminology?
Moral panic refers to widespread fear or concern over an issue that is perceived to threaten societal norms, often leading to increased social control measures.
True or False: The concept of ‘subcultural theory’ suggests that certain groups develop their own norms and values that may conflict with mainstream society.
True
What role does peer influence play in Social Learning Theory?
Peer influence plays a significant role as individuals learn criminal behavior through interactions and associations with peers.
Fill in the blank: The ______ perspective in criminology examines how race, class, and gender intersect to influence crime and justice.
Intersectional
What is the primary criticism of Labeling Theory?
The primary criticism is that it may overlook the initial causes of deviant behavior and focus too much on the consequences of labeling.
