Sociological Perspectives on Crime

Society is divided into groups with competing values. The group with more power controls the norms and laws, which may clash with the norms of less powerful groups, leading to conflict and potential punishment.

This theory suggests that as the size of minority racial groups grows, the dominant group may feel threatened and respond with increased crime control efforts.

This theory sees law as a reflection of shared values and general agreement within society.

This theory views law as beneficial for society, helping to resolve disputes, regulate behavior, and control crime.

These are actions that violate the norms and values of the dominant group in society and are therefore defined as criminal.

Conflict theory emphasizes how dominant groups use their power to shape public policy, law, and enforcement to maintain their dominance.

When a minority group gains more power, economic resources, and political influence, potentially threatening the dominant group's position.

The reaction of the dominant group (often white) to the increasing power of minorities, driven by fears of losing their privilege and power.

The belief that a minority group's increasing power poses a threat to the dominant group's physical safety, social order, or cultural identity.

Actions taken by the dominant group to maintain their power and control by actively suppressing or undermining minority groups.

A movement focused on gaining basic rights like voting, education, and representation for women.

A movement pushing for social equality, reproductive rights for women, and protection against violence from intimate partners.

A movement emphasizing the diversity of women's experiences, rejecting singular definitions of femininity, and acknowledging the interconnectedness of various social identities.

A social system where men hold power and authority over women, shaping social norms and expectations.

This approach explores how societal expectations and opportunities influence crime, considering how males and females experience these factors differently. It recognizes that men and women may assign different meanings to similar events, leading to variations in their criminal motivations and opportunities.

This curve illustrates the typical pattern of criminal activity across the lifespan. Generally, crime rates rise during adolescence, peak in late teens, and then gradually decline as individuals enter adulthood.

A key point of contention in criminology centers on whether the age-crime curve reflects changes in criminal propensity (how likely someone is to commit crime) or merely changes in opportunities for crime.

This theory proposes that there are distinct patterns of criminal behavior based on an individual's developmental stage. It categorizes offenders into two groups: adolescence-limited offenders and life-course-persistent offenders.

This group commits crimes primarily during adolescence, usually driven by factors like peer pressure and a desire to conform to societal expectations. Their criminal activity typically declines as they mature and take on adult roles and responsibilities.

This group exhibits criminal behavior across their lifespan, often starting at a young age. Their criminal tendencies are rooted in deeply ingrained personality traits or biological factors.

The interconnectedness of different social identities, like gender, race, class, and sexual orientation, influencing experiences of crime and justice.

Suggests the criminal justice system, being male-dominated, treats women more leniently due to traditional views of women as passive and needing protection.

A form of chivalry where women are seen as needing guidance and protection from men, even if it limits their autonomy.

Chivalry is extended more to middle-class and white women, reinforcing existing social inequalities.

Chivalry is applied to women who commit crimes that fit 'traditional feminine stereotypes,' like shoplifting or minor fraud.

The practice of relabeling girls' status offenses as criminal offenses, leading to harsher punishments in the juvenile justice system.

The shift from criminal justice referrals to private psychiatric facilities for girls, often due to societal pressures and a lack of resources.

Explains female offending by suggesting women might adopt more masculine traits in response to changing gender roles and expectations.

Focuses on the life experiences and developmental trajectories of girls and women who engage in criminal behavior, particularly emphasizing physical and sexual abuse as common factors.