SOC 224 - Assigned Reading #7

How does failing to matter affect youth criminality?

Youth who feel unimportant or ignored may engage in crime or risky behaviours to gain attention and feel valued. Even negative attention can give them a sense of mattering.

How does the media frame violent girls as sinister villains?

Girls are portrayed as evil, manipulative, and enjoying violence.

How does the media frame violent girls as savages?

Girls are portrayed as uncivilized and dangerous, attacking innocent victims in groups or "wolfpacks."

How does the media frame violent girls as harlots?

Girls are portrayed as being motivated by extreme jealousy, romantic relationships, or sexual rivalry.

How does the media frame violent girls as average Janes?

Girls are portrayed sympathetically as ordinary girls whose violent behaviour is unusual or out of character.

What are the four media frames of girls' violence?

Sinister villains (manipulative and enjoy violence), savages (uncivilized and attack in groups), harlots (motivated by jealousy or romantic rivalry), and average Janes (ordinary girls whose violence is unusual).

How does the media framing of girls' violence contribute to moral panic?

By stereotyping and sensationalizing violent girls, making female violence appear more threatening and alarming to society.

What is the prevention paradox in university binge drinking, and how can it be overcome?

The prevention paradox occurs when universities focus on a small number of problem drinkers, even though most alcohol-related harm comes from the larger group of occasional binge drinkers. It can be overcome through a population prevention approach that changes the drinking environment by regulating alcohol prices, advertising, availability, and service, alongside education and harm reduction.

Why is the YCJA an astute political compromise?

It balances tougher responses to serious violent youth crime with less court involvement and custody for minor offences.

What did the Supreme Court affirm and rule unconstitutional?

Custody is a last resort; presuming adult sentences for youth convicted of the most serious offences was unconstitutional.

What resulted from the YOA's lack of guidance?

High youth court and custody rates, plus inconsistent practices across Canadian jurisdictions.

Why is custody more harmful for youth than adults?

It disrupts development, school and relationships, exposes youth to inmate influences, and may increase reoffending.

What are the YCJA's three overall objectives?

Prevent crime, rehabilitate and reintegrate youth, and impose meaningful consequences to protect the public long-term.

Compare extrajudicial measures and sanctions.

Measures include warnings and referrals; sanctions are formal community programs requiring responsibility, consent and evidence.

What is general deterrence, and how did its omission affect custody?

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Punishing one offender to warn others. Its omission likely reduced custodial sentences and emphasized rehabilitation.

What four circumstances permit custody under Section 39?

Violent offence; breach of a prior non-custodial sentence; serious repeat offending; exceptional aggravated indictable offence.

What additional restrictions limit youth custody?

Consider alternatives, avoid automatic escalation, don't replace social services, review reports, and justify custody.

According to mid-20th-century research, what were the most important interests of teenage boys and girls?

Boys valued being star athletes, while girls valued popularity and peer acceptance.

How does the adult world create and reinforce teenagers' interests in sports and popularity?

Adults encourage sports through parenting, coaching, and media, while teaching children to make friends, fit in, and gain social acceptance.

How do teenagers' interests in sports and popularity have equivalents in adult society?

Adults value professional sports and also seek social acceptance and status through friendships, possessions, and fitting in. This supports Berger's argument that the generation gap is exaggerated.