topic 4

Question 1

What do Social Structure theories attribute to criminality?

Answer 1

The structure of society itself

Social Structure theories place some blame for criminality on societal structures.

Question 2

What is Functionalism in the context of social structure theories?

Answer 2

Belief that society works because different parts (institutions) have important functions

Functionalism views crime and the criminal justice system as essential functions of society.

Question 3

What role does crime play in promoting social solidarity according to Functionalists?

Answer 3

Affirming social values and encouraging social change

Severe crimes can unite society in collective sorrow and reaffirm existing values.

Question 4

Who is a prominent Functionalist theorist mentioned in the text?

Answer 4

Durkheim

Durkheim argued that crime is inevitable and necessary for social life.

Question 5

What is a key weakness of Functionalism?

Answer 5

It explains the positive impact of crime but not the reason why crime exists

Functionalism overlooks the causes of crime and its effects on different groups.

Question 6

What do Marxist Theories believe about capitalism?

Answer 6

It is in a constant state of conflict between the working class and the ruling/capitalist class

Marxists argue that the ruling class oppresses the working class to maximize profit.

Question 7

How does capitalism encourage crime according to Marxism?

Answer 7

Through individualism, self-preservation, and greed

The class system based on capitalism leads to exploitation and desire.

Question 8

What are the two ways capitalism causes crime as outlined by Marxists?

Answer 8

• Exploitation (oppression, poverty, alienation)
• Motivation & Desire (temptation to attain what is lacking)

Different social classes are associated with different types of crime.

Question 9

What is Labelling Theory as proposed by Becker?

Answer 9

No act is inherently criminal; it becomes criminal when labelled by others

Social groups create deviance by establishing rules and labelling rule-breakers.

Question 10

What is the concept of the Deviant Career?

Answer 10

Society’s reaction to an act, not the act itself, creates serious deviance

This process involves primary and secondary deviance leading to a deviant identity.

Question 11

What are the strengths of Interactionist Theories?

Answer 11

• Show how law enforcement can be discriminatory
• Highlight the importance of labelling

They illustrate how labels can shape an individual’s identity.

Question 12

What is Right Realism’s approach to understanding crime?

Answer 12

‘Tough on crime’ and blames the individual for criminality

Right Realism focuses on practical solutions like harsh punishment.

Question 13

What causes of crime does Right Realism highlight?

Answer 13

• Poor socialisation
• Rational Choice

Charles Murray and Ron Clarke discussed the lack of social control and decision-making in criminal acts.

Question 14

What does Left Realism blame for crime?

Answer 14

Inequalities in society

Left Realists advocate for gradual change to address root causes of crime.

Question 15

What are the two causes of crime identified by Left Realism?

Answer 15

• Marginalisation
• Relative Deprivation

These concepts explain the feelings leading to discontent and potential criminal behavior.

Question 16

What are the weaknesses of Left Realism?

Answer 16

• Focus on street crimes
• Potentially over-predicting crime
• Unrepresentative view from inner-city focus

Left Realism neglects white-collar crime and does not generalize well to all types of crime.