Sociological Theories of Crime

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Questions and Answers

According to Durkheim, how does a highly specialized division of labor contribute to crime in modern societies?

  • It increases competition and individualism, leading to a breakdown in shared values. (correct)
  • It creates a sense of community, leading to an increase in social cohesion.
  • It creates a sense of anonymity, leading to a decline in social control. (correct)
  • It promotes a sense of social solidarity, leading to a decrease in crime.

What is Durkheim's concept of 'moving equilibrium' in relation to crime and deviance?

  • A gradual shift in social norms and values, leading to changes in what constitutes crime. (correct)
  • A continuous state of social chaos and unrest.
  • A state of perfect balance where crime is non-existent.
  • A fixed set of laws and regulations that ensure social order is maintained.

What is Durkheim's main argument regarding the punishment of crime?

  • Punishment serves to rehabilitate criminals and reintegrate them into society.
  • Punishment is primarily used to deter future criminal behavior.
  • Punishment is a means of maintaining social order by reinforcing the boundaries between right and wrong. (correct)
  • Punishment should be tailored to the individual needs of the criminal.

According to Durkheim, what are the consequences of 'anomie' in society?

<p>A breakdown in social norms and values, leading to an increase in crime. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Durkheim argue that a certain level of deviance is beneficial to society?

<p>Deviance allows for creative and innovative thinking, leading to social change. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Kingsley Davis argue is a positive benefit of prostitution for society?

<p>Prostitution helps to maintain the stability of marriage by providing an alternative outlet for men's sexual desires. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is NOT directly related to Durkheim's theory of crime and deviance?

<p>Social control theory (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Durkheim mean by 'repression' in the context of his theory?

<p>The suppression of individual originality and creativity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'retreatism' refer to in the context of subcultural theories?

<p>A rejection of both the mainstream goals and means of achieving them (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to subcultural theories, why do deviant groups form?

<p>Deviant groups are a result of social inequality and the lack of opportunities in mainstream society. (A), Deviant groups offer an alternative status hierarchy, allowing individuals to gain recognition and status. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'status frustration' refer to in the context of subcultural theories?

<p>The frustration individuals experience when they are unable to achieve success in mainstream society. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do subcultural groups respond to 'status frustration'?

<p>They form subcultural groups with deviant norms and values, often inverting those of mainstream society. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'non-utilitarian crime' refer to in the context of subcultural theories?

<p>Crime that is committed without any planned or anticipated financial gain. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'illegitimate opportunity structures' in the context of subcultural theories?

<p>Opportunities to achieve success through illegal means such as crime and drug dealing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Cloward and Ohlin's study highlight about deviant subcultures?

<p>Deviant subcultures are complex and vary depending on the type of criminal activity and the individual's position within the illegal opportunity structure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary argument of subcultural theories in relation to deviance?

<p>Deviance is a group phenomenon, shaped by the norms and values of deviant subcultures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the 'safety valve' that sexual deviance provides?

<p>To provide an outlet for sexual desires, potentially mitigating adultery and strengthening marriage. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between 'control theory' and 'anomie' according to the text?

<p>Control theory aims to prevent anomie by encouraging conformity through rewards and sanctions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest is the central factor in determining an individual's likelihood of deviating from societal norms?

<p>The extent of their attachment to family, community, employment, and property. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of 'strain theory'?

<p>Explores the societal pressures individuals experience when trying to achieve culturally defined goals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, what are the main elements that make up a society's 'institutionalised goals'?

<p>Material wealth, social status, and power. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options is NOT mentioned in the text as an adaptation individuals develop to cope with societal strain?

<p>Rebellion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'social capital' in understanding societal strain?

<p>It refers to the social networks and connections individuals have, which can contribute to their success. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument about 'legitimate' means of achieving society's goals, according to the text?

<p>Societal structures often restrict access to legitimate means, leaving individuals in disadvantaged positions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Functionalism

A sociological perspective that views crime as a necessary aspect of a healthy society.

Specialised division of labour

In modern societies, tasks are divided among individuals leading to greater individualism and competition.

Collective sentiments

Shared values and norms within a society that influence behavior and reactions to crime.

Social equilibrium

A state in society where moral balance is maintained, preventing excessive crime or repression.

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Anomie

A state of normlessness where societal norms break down, often due to excessive crime.

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Deviance

Behavior that does not conform to societal norms, which can be beneficial for social change.

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Boundary maintenance

The function of punishment in society to reinforce the line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

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Moving equilibrium

Durkheim's concept that collective sentiments and definitions of crime change over time, allowing for societal evolution.

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Safety Valve

A mechanism that relieves sexual tension in married men, benefiting marriages.

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Control Theory

A theory that states society needs mechanisms of control to function effectively.

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Formal Rewards

Incentives from state and institutions that encourage conformity.

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Informal Rewards

Encouragement from family and community to conform to norms.

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Bonds of Attachment

Connections to family, community, and employment that reduce deviance.

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Strain Theory

Theory asserting anomie results from strain in achieving societal goals.

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Innovation

A deviant adaptation where individuals pursue wealth through illegal means.

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Ritualism

Giving up on achieving goals while still following societal norms.

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Retreatism

Abandoning societal goals and means, opting out of mainstream society.

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Group Phenomenon

Deviance often occurs within groups, adhering to deviant norms.

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Status Frustration

Feelings of shame and failure due to inability to achieve societal status.

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Inversion of Values

Rejecting mainstream values and replacing them with deviant values.

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Non-Utilitarian Crime

Crimes without material gain, often linked to group status.

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Alternative Status Hierarchy

A social structure where status is gained through deviance instead of success.

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Illegitimate Opportunity Structures

The criminal equivalent of societal structures that offer pathways to success.

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Subcultural Theories

Theories stating that deviance arises from group norms and values.

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Study Notes

Functionalist Theories of Crime and Deviance

  • Durkheim argued crime is a necessary feature of healthy societies. Increased specialization, competition, and individualism lead to more crime in modern, less homogeneous societies.
  • Collective sentiments, the shared moral beliefs, determine how offenses are punished. Severe punishment reinforces societal norms.
  • Boundary maintenance is the function of punishment, restoring social equilibrium (moral balance).
  • Durkheim proposed the "moving equilibrium" where societal norms and punishments evolve. Too much or too little crime causes anomie, hindering healthy societal change.
  • Deviance can be a positive force, anticipating future moral values (e.g. Pankhursts, Wilde).
  • Kingsley Davis argued deviance, such as prostitution, acts as a safety valve, reducing tension and preventing more serious issues like adultery.

Strain Theory

  • Robert Merton's strain theory argues that anomie results from the strain of pursuing culturally valued goals (e.g., wealth) with limited legitimate means.
  • American Dream is an example of a culturally valued goal, potentially causing strain.
  • Merton identified five adaptations to strain:
    • Conformity (accept goals and means)
    • Innovation (accept goals, reject means)
    • Ritualism (reject goals, accept means)
    • Retreatism (reject goals and means)
    • Rebellion (reject goals and means, create new ones).
  • Deviance arises from unequal access to legitimate means, common for groups like ethnic minorities and women.

Subcultural Theories

  • Subcultural theories suggest deviance is a group phenomenon, with shared norms and values within the group, distinct from mainstream society.
  • Albert Cohen examined delinquent subcultures, which emerge from status frustration among working-class boys.
  • Cloward and Ohlin expanded on this, linking subcultures to illegitimate opportunity structures (e.g., criminal, conflict, retreatist).
  • Various types of criminal subcultures exist (e.g., organized crime, drug dealing gangs) and can differ by locality.
  • David Matza disagreed, arguing that deviance is not fixed but a temporary immersion in subcultural values. Individuals drift in and out of subcultural activities.

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