AQA GCSE Sociology — Paper 2: Crime & Deviance & Social Stratification

Flashcards covering key concepts, theories, studies, and terms from AQA GCSE Sociology Paper 2: Crime & Deviance and Social Stratification.

What is the main focus of the Crime & Deviance section in AQA GCSE Sociology Paper 2?

Definitions, causes, social distribution, control, punishment, and the relationship between crime and social structures.

Which key sociological theory suggests that unequal access to societal goals can lead individuals to innovate or adapt their behavior?

Strain theory, developed by Merton.

Which theorists are associated with subcultural theories explaining group responses to blocked opportunities?

Cohen; Cloward & Ohlin.

What do Marxist theories of crime primarily argue about the law?

The law reflects ruling class interests and focuses on corporate and state crime.

Which theories are linked to the concepts of primary vs. secondary deviance and the self-fulfilling prophecy?

Interactionist / Labelling theories (Becker, Lemert).

What is the primary difference in focus between Right Realist and Left Realist perspectives on crime?

Right Realist focuses on control and policing, while Left Realist focuses on the causes of crime and solutions.

Name three types of crime identified in the lecture notes.

White-collar crime, corporate crime, state crime, street crime, hate crime, cybercrime (any three).

What demographic patterns should be considered when analyzing offending and victimisation?

Gender, age, and ethnic patterns.

What are the four stated purposes of control and punishment?

Deterrence, rehabilitation, retribution, and incapacitation.

What issues are highlighted regarding the effectiveness of prisons?

Prison effectiveness, discrimination in the justice system, and community sentencing.

Who pioneered the Strain theory, focusing on adaptations to cultural goals and means?

Merton.

Which sociologist is known for his work on Labelling theory, arguing that deviance is socially constructed?

Becker.

Who developed the concept of status frustration and subcultural responses among working-class boys?

Cohen.

Which sociologist is associated with differential association and explanations for white-collar crime?

Sutherland.

Who examined gender and social control, highlighting different controls placed on women?

Heidensohn.

What is defined as initial rule-breaking behavior?

Primary deviance.

What type of deviance results from societal reaction and labelling?

Secondary deviance.

What term describes the perception of being deprived when compared to others?

Relative deprivation.

What does 'victimisation' refer to in the context of crime?

Being a victim of crime, including patterns and risk factors.

What are crimes committed by government bodies known as?

State crime.

How do subcultural theories explain criminal behavior?

As group responses to blocked opportunities.

What is the core idea of Interactionist/Labelling theories regarding deviance?

Deviance is a social construct resulting from societal reaction and labelling.

What is the purpose of 'incapacitation' within the criminal justice system?

To remove offenders from society to prevent them from committing further crimes.

In the context of punishment, what does 'rehabilitation' aim to achieve?

To reform offenders so they do not re-offend, often through education or therapy.

What does 'retribution' mean as a purpose of punishment?

Punishing an offender as a form of revenge or to ensure that justice is served for the victim and society.

Crimes committed by businesses or individuals in a professional context are generally known as what?

Corporate crime or White-collar crime.

What is considered a key issue regarding discrimination within the justice system?

The unequal treatment or outcomes for certain demographic groups.

How do Marxist theories interpret enforcement of laws?

As a reflection of ruling class interests, focusing on controlling the working class.

What is a key aspect of the 'exam approach' for Paper 2 regarding crime and deviance?

To describe patterns, apply relevant theories, and evaluate with studies and statistics.

Beyond prison effectiveness and discrimination, what other area of punishment is mentioned as an issue?

Community sentencing.

What is the main focus of the Social Stratification section in AQA GCSE Sociology Paper 2?

Systems of inequality (class, status, power); social mobility, life chances and patterns of inequality in UK society.

What are the core concepts of the Marxist theory of social stratification?

Class conflict between the bourgeoisie and proletariat, exploitation, and capitalism.

Besides class, what other dimensions of inequality did Weber identify?

Status and party (power).

Which sociological theory, associated with Davis & Moore, suggests that stratification is functional for society?

Functionalist theory.

Who theorized that cultural capital and habitus significantly shape an individual's life chances?

Bourdieu.

Name three areas where inequalities are observed in practice according to the notes.

Wealth, income, health, education, and housing (any three).

What are some identified causes of inequality in society?

Globalisation, deindustrialisation, and policy decisions.

What are two major consequences of inequality mentioned in the notes?

Poverty and social exclusion.

What is 'intergenerational mobility'?

Movement between social strata across different generations within a family.

What is the difference between 'structural' and 'exchange' mobility?

Structural mobility is due to changes in the economy, while exchange mobility is about individuals swapping positions within the social hierarchy.

Name two types of policies aimed at reducing inequality.

Taxation policies, benefit policies, and education reforms (any two).

Which sociologist is known for his work on cultural capital and habitus in reproducing class advantage?

Bourdieu.

Who proposed the functionalist view that social stratification motivates role allocation?

Davis & Moore.

Which sociologist is recognized for his studies on class and social mobility in Britain?

Goldthorpe.

Which contemporary researchers are mentioned for their studies on class fragmentation and inequality?

Savage et al.

What type of statistics are recommended for illustrating patterns of inequality in essays?

Up-to-date statistics, citing ONS for UK figures.

What are 'life chances' in sociology?

The opportunities individuals have to improve their quality of life, often influenced by their social position.

What is the ability to move between different social strata called?

Social mobility.

How is 'class' defined in the context of social stratification?

Economic position based on occupation, income, or wealth.

What is 'status' in sociology?

Social prestige, which can be independent of class.

What does 'power' refer to in social stratification?

The ability to influence or control others.

According to the Functionalist view, how does stratification benefit society?

It motivates individuals to fill different roles and positions, contributing to social cohesion and efficiency.

In Marxist theory, what is the term for the ruling class who own the means of production?

Bourgeoisie.

What is the Marxist term for the working class, who sell their labor?

Proletariat.

How can deindustrialisation contribute to social inequality?

By reducing manufacturing jobs, often leading to unemployment or a shift to lower-wage service sector work.

What is 'cultural capital' as conceived by Bourdieu?

Non-financial social assets, such as education, intellect, and style of speech, that promote social mobility.

According to Bourdieu, what is 'habitus'?

A system of dispositions that shapes how individuals perceive and interact with the social world around them, influenced by their social background.

Give an example of a policy aimed at reducing wealth or income inequality.

Progressive taxation or increased welfare benefits.

Give an example of a policy aimed at reducing educational inequality.

Education reforms or targeted funding for disadvantaged schools.

What is 'social exclusion'?

The process by which individuals or groups are systematically blocked from rights, opportunities, and resources normally available to members of society, leading to marginalization.