Community Dynamics and Crime Prevention

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a significant effect of high numbers of single-parent families in deteriorating neighborhoods?

Higher crime and delinquency rates (correct)

Improved economic opportunities

Stronger community bonding

Increased home ownership rates

What does collective efficacy primarily refer to in community contexts?

The strength of local governments

The trust and willingness of community members to intervene (correct)

Economic development initiatives

The number of businesses in a neighborhood

Which type of social control involves neighborhoods reinforcing positive behaviors?

Public Social Control

Informal Social Control (correct)

Collective Social Control

Institutional Social Control

How do disorganized neighborhoods affect institutional social control?

They hinder effectiveness in engaging youth Signup and view all the answers

What is a result of having stable neighborhoods with better political power regarding crime?

Improved police visibility Signup and view all the answers

What leads to reduced crime rates in organized communities?

Support networks among residents Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of areas with strong social altruism?

Low crime incidence Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to higher violence rates in disorganized neighborhoods?

Lack of connections to affluent areas Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between social altruism and crime rates?

A negative correlation exists. Signup and view all the answers

What does the SDM suggest protects youth from crime?

Commitment to conventional institutions Signup and view all the answers

What effect does higher social support have on violent crime rates?

It is associated with lower rates of violent crime. Signup and view all the answers

Which group of offenders is characterized by starting to commit crimes early in life?

Early-onset offenders Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a community program aimed at enhancing safety?

Mennonite Central Committee's 'Circles of Support' Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of anomie refer to?

A state of normlessness and confusion due to societal transitions. Signup and view all the answers

What factor is NOT a component of Elliott's integrated theory?

Economic prosperity Signup and view all the answers

Poor socialization in children may lead to which outcome?

Struggles in adapting to societal norms Signup and view all the answers

How did the COVID-19 pandemic illustrate anomic conditions?

It led to challenges in societal norms and increased certain crimes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of the social disorganization concept?

Adolescents living in disorganized neighborhoods Signup and view all the answers

What did Robert Merton suggest about anomie?

It arises from a mismatch between goals and means. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of strain is likely to increase feelings of alienation in adolescents?

Social, economic, or personal pressures Signup and view all the answers

What can lead individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to criminal behavior?

Feeling locked out of opportunities for success. Signup and view all the answers

What are the consequences of restricted legitimate pathways to success?

Potential increase in crime or delinquency. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to a youth's likelihood of committing crimes based on the SDM?

Learning deviant attitudes Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of strong pro-social bonds in youth?

Resistance to negative influences Signup and view all the answers

What illegal activities were criminalized under the changes to the law regarding sexual services?

Pimping and operating businesses based on sexual exploitation Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is often most vulnerable among street-level sex workers?

Young runaways from marginalized backgrounds Signup and view all the answers

In what year did prostitution-related offences drop to only 219 cases?

2016 Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sex worker is often referred to as the 'aristocrats' of the sex trade?

Call girls Signup and view all the answers

What percentage decline in prostitution-related offences was reported in 2021?

34% Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key aims of the legal changes regarding prostitution?

To shift focus towards prosecuting customers and pimps Signup and view all the answers

Where are bar girls, also known as B-girls, most commonly found?

In bars, especially near military bases Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the vulnerability of street-level sex workers?

Poverty and addiction Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary purposes of the law in society?

To protect society and its members Signup and view all the answers

Which act expanded racketeering crimes to include gambling and prostitution?

The Organized Crime Control Act Signup and view all the answers

What did Sir Patrick Devlin argue regarding societal moral values?

They are essential for society to function properly Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of public order crimes?

They encompass actions that violate societal norms but do not harm specific individuals Signup and view all the answers

What is one of Canada’s measures against organized crime?

Joint U.S. and Canada anti-drug investigations Signup and view all the answers

What do moral entrepreneurs seek to achieve through their actions?

To impose their personal beliefs on society Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects a challenge in enforcing moral laws?

Public division over the morality of certain acts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following acts allows police to seize property related to crime proceeds in Canada?

Bill C-69 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of non-custodial programs?

To rehabilitate offenders Signup and view all the answers

According to Willem Bonger, society is divided by what factor?

System of production in force Signup and view all the answers

What did Rahl Dahrendorf argue about modern society?

It is organized into imperatively coordinated associations Signup and view all the answers

How does George Vold view the creation of laws?

Designed to protect the interests of dominant groups Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of conflict criminology?

It examines how power affects criminal justice administration Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'norm resistance' imply according to Austin Turk?

Social conflict is inevitable Signup and view all the answers

Which movement is associated with the development of radical criminology?

The National Deviancy Conference Signup and view all the answers

In 'Saints and the Roughnecks,' what aspect does Chambliss criticize?

The lenient treatment of high-class juveniles Signup and view all the answers

According to Karl Marx, what produces high levels of crime and violence?

Capitalism and its inherent inequalities Signup and view all the answers

What is one implication of Marx's view on crime?

Each society produces its unique type of crime Signup and view all the answers

What does 'power relations' in conflict theory refer to?

The impact of unequal power distribution Signup and view all the answers

In the context of predictive policing, which issue is highlighted?

It disproportionately impacts marginalized areas Signup and view all the answers

Which concept explains the likelihood of minorities facing harsher charges?

Predictive policing Signup and view all the answers

What role does social demoralization play in crime according to Engels?

It contributes to crime and violence Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Criminological Theories

Criminology explores the causes, consequences, and prevention of crime.
Theories attempt to explain why individuals commit crimes.

Biological Trait Theories

Popularized in the mid-19th century, this theory suggests criminals aren't responsible for their actions due to biological factors.
Early theories focused on hereditary traits and family dynamics.
William Sheldon's somatotype theory proposed that body type (mesomorph, endomorph, ectomorph) influences criminality.
Modern biological theories recognize the interplay of genetics, environment, and social factors.

Sociobiology

This field examines the biological basis for crime and argues that people are driven by survival needs and reproduce.

Modern Biological Theories

These theories consider the interaction of physical, environmental, and social elements to determine behavior, influenced by environmental factors and not just instincts.
Emphasize the importance of interactions between individuals and the environment in shaping criminal behavior.

Nutritional Deficiency

Low levels of vitamins and minerals can impair brain function, leading to mental health and behavioural problems.
High carbohydrate intake can cause problems with attention span.
Hormonal imbalances can influence aggressive behaviour.

Environmental Contaminants

Exposure to dangerous chemicals can cause behaviour and emotional issues like ADHD.

Tumours, Injuries, and Disease

Brain injury or tumor formation can alter personality.
Effects are typically temporary and may resolve once the tumour or injury is treated.

Brain Chemistry and Crime

Irregularities in neurochemical levels can contribute to aggression in some individuals.

Genetics and Crime

Some research suggests that aggression and anti-social behaviour can be inherited.
Studies of twins and adopted children have yielded mixed findings.

Psychological Perspectives

Sigmund Freud's psychodynamic theory explains personality dynamics—ID (primitive drives), ego (balance), and superego (conscience).
Freud believed personality development was influenced by early experiences and that certain personalities were predisposed to criminal behavior.
Others, like Hans Eysenck, have studied extroversion, introversion and criminal behavior.

Behavioural Theories

Social learning theorists argue that violence is learned through observations of others, especially within the family.
Children who observe violence might develop similar behaviors.

Cognitive Theories

Moral development plays a key role in decision-making.
People with low moral reasoning may show little empathy or regard for societal rules.
Kohlberg developed stages of moral development, which can be related to criminality.

These theories emphasize the importance of societal factors (social class, neighbourhood conditions) as predictors of criminal behavior.
Sociologists such as Shaw and McKay found that crime rates were higher in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Crime is viewed as associated with societal disorganization and poverty.
The lack of social cohesion, trust, and collective efficacy further increases the risk of criminal behaviour.

These theories focus on the factors that prevent individuals from committing crimes, e.g., societal bonds in families.
Hirschi's work identified four key aspects of social bonding—attachment to others, commitment to societal norms, involvement in pro-social activities, and belief in prevailing societal values.
Weakened bonds increase the likelihood of criminal behaviour.

Labeling Theory

This theory examines how a person can become defined by a label that subsequently dictates their behavior.
A criminal label attached to an individual can transform their identity, causing further criminal involvement, perpetuating a cycle of deviance.

Criminal behaviour is learned from interacting with others.
Sutherland's differential association theory emphasizes the importance of social influences, such as peer associations, in shaping criminal behavior.

Conflict theory explains crime in terms of power struggles and social inequalities, particularly focusing on the distribution of wealth and resources.
Marxist sociology argues that crime is a function of social inequality and capitalism.
Power imbalances in society influence the law and criminal justice system, with the interests of those in power driving both definition of crime and law enforcement.

Integrated Theories

Combining various perspectives on criminology—e.g., social, psychological, biological features—increases the complexity of explaining crime.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the intricate relationship between neighborhood dynamics and crime prevention in this quiz. Understand how single-parent families, social control, and community organization influence crime rates and societal behavior. Test your knowledge of collective efficacy and the effects of community stability on violence and crime reduction.