Criminology Theories and Concepts: Social Disorganization, Strain, Labeling, and Cultural Perspectives

What is the core idea of Social Disorganization Theory?

Crime is the result of the breakdown of social institutions and informal social control in specific geographic areas.

What are the three key concepts that contribute to Social Disorganization?

1. Residential Instability 2. Poverty 3. Heterogeneity

In Merton's Strain Theory, what is 'Anomie'?

A state where society emphasizes achieving success but fails to provide equal opportunities for everyone.

What are Merton's 5 Modes of Adaptation to Strain?

1. Conformity 2. Innovation 3. Ritualism 4. Retreatism 5. Rebellion

How does Agnew's General Strain Theory (GST) differ from Merton's?

Agnew expanded strain to include failure to achieve goals, removal of positive stimuli, and presence of negative stimuli.

What is the core principle of Social Learning Theory (Differential Association)?

Criminal behavior is learned through interaction in intimate groups.

What is the difference between Consensus and Conflict views of the law?

Consensus assumes society agrees on right/wrong; Conflict assumes society is a battlefield of inequality.

What is Labeling Theory's 'Secondary Deviance'?

Behavior that occurs after society labels a person a criminal.

What is the 'Chivalry Hypothesis' in Feminist Criminology?

The idea that the justice system treats women more leniently because they are viewed as weak.

What are the three key concepts of Life-Course Theory?

1. Trajectory 2. Transitions 3. Turning Points

Who developed Differential Association Theory?

Edwin Sutherland.

Who developed the 'Focal Concerns' of lower-class culture?

Walter Miller.

Who are the key proponents of Social Disorganization Theory (The Chicago School)?

Clifford Shaw and Henry D. McKay.

Who developed the concept of 'Status Frustration'?

Albert Cohen.

Who are Sampson & Laub?

Theorists behind Age-Graded Theory, emphasizing 'Turning Points' in stopping crime.

What does Furious Styles explain in Boyz n the Hood?

Gentrification and how external economic forces cause neighborhood breakdown.

What does Doughboy's line in Boyz n the Hood illustrate?

Rejection of societal goals due to blocked access.

What does Louise's refusal to go to the police in Thelma & Louise signify?

Belief that the patriarchal system will blame the victim.

What does Radio Raheem's speech in Do the Right Thing represent?

The struggle between community solidarity and structural oppression.

What does Ree Dolly appeal to in Winter's Bone?

'Blood loyalty' rather than the law.

How are the Greasers labeled in The Outsiders?

They are labeled 'hoods' by police.

What does Dally represent in The Outsiders?

A 'Life-Course Persistent' offender.

What is the impact of Residential Instability in Social Disorganization Theory?

High mobility prevents community ties.

How does Poverty contribute to Social Disorganization?

It limits resources available for community support.

What role does Heterogeneity play in Social Disorganization?

Diversity can make shared norms difficult.

What is the significance of 'Turning Points' in Life-Course Theory?

Major events that change an individual's trajectory.

What is the main focus of Conflict Theory?

The law is a tool of the powerful to control the powerless.

What does 'Primary Deviance' refer to in Labeling Theory?

The initial act of deviance before societal labeling.

What is the implication of 'internalizing' a criminal label?

The person begins to act according to the label they have received.

How does the justice system's treatment of women reflect the Chivalry Hypothesis?

It suggests leniency based on perceptions of women as weak.

What does the concept of 'Status Frustration' explain?

Lower-class boys reject middle-class values and create a subculture.

What is the role of intimate groups in Social Learning Theory?

They are where criminal behavior is learned.

What is the significance of the term 'Master Status' in Labeling Theory?

It refers to the dominant label that overshadows other aspects of identity.

What does the term 'Turning Points' indicate in the context of crime?

Events that can lead to a change in criminal behavior.

What does the term 'Trajectory' refer to in Life-Course Theory?

A long-term pathway of an individual's life.

What does the phrase 'excess of definitions favorable to violation of law' mean?

It means that a person becomes delinquent due to more favorable definitions of crime.

What is the significance of the film application in Boyz n the Hood?

It illustrates the impact of external forces on crime.

What does the film The Outsiders illustrate about social labels?

It shows how labels affect identity and behavior.

What does the term 'Ritualism' mean in Merton's Modes of Adaptation?

Rejecting goals but accepting means.

What does 'Innovation' mean in Merton's Modes of Adaptation?

Accepting goals but rejecting means.

What is the focus of Agnew's General Strain Theory?

It includes various forms of strain beyond economic failure.

What does the term 'Retreatism' signify in Merton's theory?

Rejecting both societal goals and means.

What does the term 'Conformity' mean in Merton's Modes of Adaptation?

Accepting both goals and means.

What does the term 'Rebellion' signify in Merton's Modes of Adaptation?

Replacing both goals and means with new ones.

What does the term 'negative stimuli' refer to in Agnew's GST?

Factors like abuse or discrimination that lead to negative emotions.

What is the main idea behind the Conflict view of law?

It views law as a mechanism for maintaining inequality.

What does the term 'Focal Concerns' refer to in lower-class culture?

Key values that shape behavior and attitudes.