SOCI 201- Crime

What is the 'carnival mirror' metaphor in the context of crime?

It suggests that the reality of crime differs significantly from how it is presented in the media.

What is the distinction between norms, deviance, and crime?

Norms are behavioral expectations; deviance is the violation of a norm; crime is the violation of a formal law.

Can an act be deviant but not criminal?

Yes, for example, having a fully tattooed body may be considered deviant by some but is not a criminal act.

What is the difference between 'mala in se' and 'mala prohibita' crimes?

Mala in se (consensus crimes) are considered inherently harmful with harsh sanctions, while mala prohibita (conflict crimes) have less societal agreement regarding their harm.

What is 'social deviation' in the context of deviance?

It refers to behavior that is legal but stigmatized, such as mental illness or being an ex-convict.

What is 'social diversion'?

It refers to how people appear to others, such as having many body piercings.

What is the most successful form of social control according to researchers?

Internalized self-control.

What is the 'crime funnel'?

A model illustrating the attrition of crime cases as they move from the total pool of all crime through reporting, police investigation, court processing, and finally incarceration.

What are the five key components of a moral panic?

Concern, hostility, consensus, disproportionality, and volatility.

How do pluralists view the construction of laws?

They argue that laws reflect what society deems important and that everyone has a say in their construction.

What is the conflict theory perspective on law?

It argues that the bourgeoisie constructs laws to serve their interests while criminalizing the lower classes.

What does postmodernism suggest about crime?

It maintains that crime is socially constructed and that those who control the media/news define what is considered criminal.

According to Strain Theory, what causes crime and deviance?

The gap between 'rising expectations and falling realizations' regarding culturally induced goals.

In Merton's Typology, what characterizes 'Innovation'?

Acceptance of culturally induced goals but a lack of ability to achieve them through legitimate means.

What is 'differential association' in learning theory?

The idea that people learn crime and deviance by interacting with other deviants.

What are 'techniques of neutralization'?

Attitudes or justifications learned by individuals to rationalize committing crimes.

What is the core premise of Control Theory?

It assumes deviance is inherently enjoyable and seeks to explain why people conform (due to internalized self-control taught by parents, teachers, and peers).

What is the main argument of Labelling Theory?

People behave deviantly when they are defined by society as such, and this label can lead to further deviance.

What is the 'dark figure' of crime?

The amount of crime that goes undetected or unreported to the police.

Approximately what percentage of reported crime is property crime?

About 48%.

What are the primary correlates of crime?

Age, sex, social class, and visible minority status.

How does Canada's incarceration rate compare globally?

It is higher than India, Japan, and Western European nations, but significantly lower than Russia and the United States.

What is a 'moral crusader'?

An individual or group that attempts to change the behavior of others because they believe a serious evil exists that must be eliminated.

In Merton's Typology, what is 'Ritualism'?

The rejection of culturally induced goals but the continued adherence to the means of achieving them.