Sociology of Crime: Durkheim, Merton, Althusser, and More

What is Durkheim's view on crime?

Durkheim argued that crime is inevitable and functional, helping to maintain social order by reinforcing collective norms.

What does Merton's Strain Theory explain?

Merton's Strain Theory explains that individuals may turn to deviance when they are unable to achieve culturally approved goals, adapting through behaviors like innovation or rebellion.

What are the Ideological State Apparatus (ISA) and Repressive State Apparatus (RSA) according to Althusser?

ISA includes institutions like schools and media that shape beliefs, while RSA includes entities like police and prisons that enforce power through punishment.

How does Gordon relate capitalism to crime?

Gordon argues that capitalism causes crime by fostering inequality, leading the working class to commit crimes as a rational response to poverty and the rich to commit white-collar crimes to maintain power.

What is Reiman's perspective on selective law enforcement?

Reiman posits that the justice system disproportionately targets the poor, encapsulated in the phrase 'The rich get richer and the poor get prison.'

What does Oakley argue about gender socialization and crime?

Oakley argues that gender socialization teaches girls to be nurturing and boys to be aggressive, which contributes to higher crime rates among men.

What is Becker's Labelling Theory?

Becker's Labelling Theory states that deviance is socially constructed; individuals become deviant when labeled as such by society.

What are primary and secondary deviance according to Lemert?

Primary deviance is minor and unlabelled, while secondary deviance occurs when individuals internalize a deviant label, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy.

What causes crime according to Lea and Young?

Lea and Young argue that crime is caused by relative deprivation, marginalization, and subcultures, suggesting community policing and tackling inequality as solutions.