sociological theories and policy development Flashcards
what are the 3 formal sociological theories and policy development
penal populism
zero tolerance
restorative justice
what is the formal policy penal populism
is a process whereby political parties compete to be “Tough on crime”. The Government attempt to propose laws that are popular with the public, that punish offenders. generally associated with a public perception that crime is out of control and tends to manifest at general elections when politicians put forward hard-line policies which would remand more offenders into prison prior to sentencing and impose longer sentences
arguments for penal populism
This policy reflects right realism- we need to be tough on criminals and punish them harshly.
It also reflects Durkheim (Functionalism) - harsh punishments reinforce norms and values, aka. boundary maintenance. We also saw social cohesion after the Jamie Bulger case which led to the demands of harsher punishment
arguments against penal policy
Harsher punishments often bring higher costs, e.g. prison sentences.
Left realism would suggest this policy doesn’t solve crime issues long term (prevent reoffending)
does penal populism work
No, The UK has the highest population in Europe with serious overcrowding since 1994.
Half of people in prison are serving a sentence of less than 6 months. Adults released from custodial sentences of less than 12 months had a proven reoffending rate of 53.9% (20011)
what is the formal policy zero tolerance
to prevent crime, the police and members of communities must clamp down on the first signs of petty crime and disorder (e.g. keep drunks off the streets, arrest vandals etc.)
This links to right realism, specifically Wilson and Kelling’s broken window theory (signs of disorder will lead to more disorder)
A zero-tolerance approach was implemented at New York city port authority bus terminal.
arguments for zero tolerance
Works well in cities where it is possible to have a large police presence.
Right realism would support this tough approach to crime.
Sends a message to potential offenders that their actions will not be tolerated. This can help to deter criminal activity.
arguments against zero tolerance policy
It can lead to unfair treatment of certain groups, e.g. minorities and young people. This can lead to a lack of trust in the police.
Aggressive policing had led to claims of heavy handedness by the police.
does zero tolerance policy work
First tried in New York in the 1990’s. Crime fell by 39%, and murder fell by 49%.
This was then trialled in parts of the UK, including Middlesbrough. Detective Superintendent Ray ‘Robocop’ Mallon promised to cut crime by 20% in Middlesbrough. The town saw a 20% reduction crime in just 18 months. crime was most likely moved to another town
what is the formal policy of restorative justice
gives people who have been harmed the chance to talk about the impact of the incident and seek answers about why it happened in a face-to-face meeting, via video, or through letters. It also helps the person responsible for the harm to understand the impact of their actions and can encourage them to change their behaviour
arguments for restorative justice
It allows the victim of a crime a voice within the criminal justice system.
Can make offenders accountable for their actions and encourage a change in behaviour.
Left Realism would support restorative justice policies (long term change towards a more equal and caring society).
arguments against restorative justice
Many victims don’t want to participate and may feel pressured to do so
Right realists may argue that this is not a ‘tough enough’ approach.
does restorative justice work?
The University of Sheffield were commissioned by the government to evaluate three restorative justice schemes between 2001 and 2008. Key findings from the evaluation included that:
Restorative justice led to a 14% reduction in the rate of reoffending.
85% of victims were satisfied with the process, and 78% would.
recommend it to other people in them.
