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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    Related Documents

    Crime and Deviance Theories PDF

    Description

    Explore functionalist theories and strain theory in sociology, focusing on the perspectives of Durkheim and Merton. Understand how crime is viewed as a necessary component of social structure and how deviance can serve as a safety valve. This quiz delves into the complexities of crime, deviance, and societal norms.

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