Sociology CJ 351

Anomie

sense of formlessness, social rules and expectations become weak

white collar crime

crime usually in the workplace, committed by individuals in a position of trust or authority (fraud, embezzlement, insider trading)

social disorganization theory

neighborhood bonds of social institutions, dangerous jobs = more crime chance to happen to you

rational choice theory

theory that Individuals make decisions based on a cost/benefit analysis, is it worth committing this crime

deterrence theory

keeps people from committing crimes if the punishment is certain and severe, because the fear of consequences discourages criminal behavior

routine activities theory

motivated offender, victim, no guardianship

crime occurs when three elements come together at the same time and place

neutralization theory

what criminals who have been caught try to do

deny their actions, denial of victims, have higher loyalties (lost job, kids)

differential association theory

People that you hang out with teach you how to commit crimes, learning motive, explains juvenile delinquency 

control theory

The idea that people are less likely to commit crime when they have strong social bonds to society, such as attachments to family, school, work, and shared moral values. When these bonds are weak, the likelihood of deviance increases. 

self control theory

Personal control over emotions and regulations 

The idea that people with low self-control are more likely to commit crimes because they are impulsive, seek immediate gratification, and do not consider long-term consequences. 

social structural theories

Theories that explain crime as a result of social and economic structures in society, such as poverty, inequality, lack of opportunity, and neighborhood conditions that increase the likelihood of criminal behavior. 

social process theories

Theories that explain crime as something people learn through social interactions and experiences, such as relationships with family, peers, and institutions that influence behavior.

Use the readings and class lectures to explain the Sociological perspective of crime. In other words, what variables or concepts does Sociology bring to the Criminology research? Explain how social status in society through the lens of power, culture, or social class affects people’s access to the criminal justice system. What are two important mechanisms of social control that might help keep people from committing crimes? 

• focuses on how social factors influence criminal behavior

• social class, age, gender explain crime and deviance

• social class affects experience, people in poverty have no lawyer, limit legal reps

• people with more money have better access

• age and gender are important, people age out and focus on work or family

• men more likely to commit crimes

• family and law enforcement guide towards positive behavior or discourage criminal activity

Using the readings and class lectures, briefly describe the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). What are two pros and cons of these two sources? Explain how self report studies also add important information on crimes. Make an argument that it is important to gather data from multiple sources to be more accurate in our crime statistics. 

NIBRS: provides detailed data and allows researchers to analyze different crime, only reported crimes and some are underreported

NCVS: interviews victims and survivors about crimes, including non reported ones, helps researches understand experiences and provides insight, can be inaccurate or uncomfortable

self report: talking directly to victims and inmates

Use the readings and class lectures to explain how the media distorts public opinion of crime. Why are media accounts not as accurate as the NIBRS or NCVS systems? What does the phrase “if it bleeds, it leads mean”? Make a suggestion on how the media could cover crime in a more useful and accurateway. 

• focuses on dramatic studies, what attracts attention and generate views

• power has influence, affects what public believes

• media bias lead to rage bait and overdramatized stories

• if it bleeds it leads means more violent= more likely to be on front cover