Socio-Ecological Theories and Criminology

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on sociological and criminological theories and concepts.

socio-ecological theories

Explore the relationship between environmental and social factors and crime.

economic disadvantage

A condition that is associated with higher crime rates.

assimilation

The process by which minority groups or immigrants adopt the customs of the dominant group.

multiculturalism

The coexistence of diverse cultures living in harmony.

concentric zone theory

The theory that people living in the same area endure similar social issues.

zone 1

Central business zone in concentric zone theory.

zone 2

Transition zone characterized by change and instability.

zone 3

Working-class zone, typically inhabited by manual laborers.

zone 4

Residential zone, primarily consisting of middle-class homes.

zone 5

Commuter zone, where residents travel to work from suburban areas.

disorganization characteristics

Factors in neighborhoods that contribute to crime without regard for ethnic groups.

primary socialization

The process during childhood where immediate family influences behavior.

secondary socialization

The process during adolescence where everyday interactions influence behavior.

differential association

The process through which crime is learned through interactions with others.

operant conditioning

Learning that is shaped by the anticipated consequences of actions.

social learning theory

Theory emphasizing the role of social influences, particularly peer groups, in behavior.

neutralization theory

Techniques that allow individuals to rationalize or neutralize feelings of guilt related to crime.

subterranean values

The idea that no one is entirely good or entirely bad.

regulation

Formal and informal rules and control mechanisms designed to structure behavior.

prescriptive regulations

Narrowly defined, rigid regulations that are straightforward to enforce.

performance-based regulations

Policies allowing discretion in how regulations are met while requiring effective monitoring.

process-based regulation

Regulation that allows groups to set and monitor their own rules.

regulatory climate

The complex societal landscape of governmental and non-governmental regulations.

regulatory regime

Responses to challenges and risks in the regulatory process.

legitimacy

The means by which authorities secure compliance with minimal force.

procedural justice

A process-based approach emphasizing respect and fairness in legal proceedings.

penal populism

A political approach that seeks to respond to public fears of crime by being 'tough' on crime.

normative perspective

The view that people obey laws when treated justly and fairly.

social contract perspective

The view that the police act neutrally to maintain social order.

conflict perspective

The view that police serve the interests of powerful groups in society.

role conflict

The struggle faced by police when balancing competing expectations.

role ambiguity

Confusion experienced when facing unclear or competing expectations.

discretion

The power of police to make decisions based on the situation they encounter.

adversarial system

A legal system where judges interpret the law while claimants seek to win.

tort

A wrong committed against private interests that leads to legal claims for harm.

strict liability

Liability that does not require proof of fault for harm caused.

settlement

An agreement reached between parties in a dispute to resolve a tort.

cultural capital

Symbols and values associated with dominant groups that affect access to institutions.

recidivism

The act of reoffending after having previously been convicted.

re-entry

The process individuals undergo after completing their incarceration.

collateral consequences

Legal restrictions that limit access to opportunities for those with criminal records.

cultural habitus

The way group culture influences an individual's mindset and behavior.

critical criminology

The analysis of economic and social disparities that contribute to criminalization.

dominant groups

Social classes that use the law to maintain control and establish social order.

capitalism

An economic system that promotes self-interest and materialism.

feminist criminology

The study of women's roles as offenders and victims, challenging traditional stereotypes.

intersectional feminist theory

The examination of how various forms of oppression intersect and impact individuals differently.

racialization

The attribution of characteristics and behaviors to individuals based on perceived race.

racial profiling

The practice of targeting individuals for police action based on their race.

implicit bias

Subconscious attitudes that influence perceptions and decisions regarding race.

total institution

A closed society where life is structured by strict norms and schedules.

mass incarceration

The large-scale imprisonment of individuals, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.

social order

The organized structure, laws, and regulations that govern daily life.

self-perpetuating system

A system in which the outcomes reinforce the conditions it produces.

emotional intelligence

The ability to understand and manage emotions, influencing compliance and communication.

public reactions

The responses of the community to legal authorities, shaping trust and cooperation.

status quo

The existing state of affairs, often maintained by powerful societal groups.

labels

Social tags that can create barriers and stigmas for individuals with criminal records.

law-abiding definitions

General definitions that standardize what is considered acceptable behavior.

perspective shift

Changing one’s viewpoint regarding laws and their enforcement based on circumstances.

positive reinforcement

Rewarding behavior that encourages its recurrence.

negative punishment

The removal of a positive stimulus as a form of punishment.

positive punishment

The imposition of negative consequences to discourage undesirable behavior.

emotions in compliance

The significant role emotions play in determining whether individuals comply with laws.

commitment to compliance

The willingness to adhere to regulations based on beliefs about their credibility.

collective identity

The shared sense of belonging and association within a community.

community engagement

Active participation in community affairs, fostering social responsibility.

facilitative approach

Encouraging voluntary compliance through supportive interaction.

psychological factors

Mental and emotional influences affecting decision-making in legal contexts.

criminal justice system

The structured system through which crime is prosecuted and punished.

social stratification

The hierarchical arrangement of individuals into social classes.

social inclusion

The process of improving the terms of participation in society for all individuals.

social identity theory

A theory explaining how individuals derive their identity from group memberships.

community resilience

The ability of a community to withstand and recover from adversity.

economic disparities

Differences in economic status that affect access to resources and opportunities.

class struggle

The conflict between different classes within society over resources and power.

displaced populations

Groups forced to leave their homes due to various socio-political factors.

policing strategies

Approaches used by law enforcement to address and prevent crime effectively.

socio-economic status

An individual's economic and social position relative to others.

policy enforcement

The application of regulations to ensure compliance with established laws.