Questions and Answers
What are demographics?
Characteristics about a set of people
How do criminologists use demographics?
Help understand why crime occurs in certain locations and who commits crime and why
What demographics are studied in crime?
Social class, Age, Race, Gender
What is the association between social class and crime?
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What is the Broken Window Hypothesis?
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What is the association between age and crime?
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What factors contribute to the association between gender and crime?
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How does race relate to crime statistics?
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What is the Racial Threat Hypothesis?
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How are crime rates and social class correlated?
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Which of the following statements BEST describes the racial threat hypothesis?
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How are age and crime rates correlated?
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Which of the following statements about gender and crime demographics is TRUE?
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Which of the following statements best describes the broken window hypothesis?
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Study Notes
Demographics
- Refers to the characteristics of a population, such as age, race, gender, and social class that can contribute to crime rates.
Criminological Use of Demographics
- Helps in understanding crime patterns, location-specific crime occurrences, and profiles of offenders.
Key Demographic Factors in Crime
- Social Class: Working-class, inner-city areas show higher crime rates.
- Age: Significant arrest rates found in individuals aged 16-25.
- Race: Ethnic minorities, specifically African Americans, show disproportionate representation in crime statistics.
- Gender: Men are arrested for violent crimes at rates four times that of women.
Social Class and Crime
- High crime rates correlate with working-class, inner-city locations, indicating socioeconomic influences on criminal behavior.
Broken Windows Hypothesis
- Suggests that neglected communities attract more crime, emphasizing the importance of community upkeep.
Age and Crime
- Youth (16-25) have higher arrest rates.
- Older individuals (65+) are typically arrested for minor offenses such as assaults and theft.
Gender Differences in Crime
- Males consistently commit more violent crimes than females, influenced by factors such as aggression related to hormones and differences in socialization.
Racial Disparities in Crime
- Ethnic minorities, particularly African Americans, are involved in a higher percentage of violent crime arrests compared to their population size.
- Some experts argue that these statistics reflect systemic racism.
Racial Threat Hypothesis
- Indicates that increased presence of ethnic minorities leads to more police patrols and arrests in those areas, potentially inflating crime statistics.
Crime Rates and Social Class Correlation
- Crime rates are lowest in affluent neighborhoods, with highest rates observed in economically challenged areas.
Age-Crime Rate Relationship
- As individuals age past 25, their likelihood of committing crimes decreases.
Gender and Crime Statistics
- Men are significantly more likely to be arrested for violent crimes compared to women, highlighting a gender disparity in criminal behavior.
Broken Window Hypothesis Recap
- Deteriorated neighborhoods are linked to increased criminal activity, pushing the need for community improvement to prevent crime.
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Description
This quiz explores how demographics influence crime rates and patterns. Key factors such as social class, age, race, and gender are examined to understand their role in criminal activity. Test your knowledge of criminology and the significance of demographic analysis in criminal justice.
