Criminology exam ch 6-9 sample questions

According to social structure theories, what factors make the “underclass” more likely to commit crimes?

Because of poverty, lack of opportunity, poor education and weak social institutions (school or family). Living in disadvantaged neighborhoods creates strain, frustration and limited access to success through legal means which pushes people towards crime to survive or achieve goals.

According to the Chicago School theorists, what main trait produces disorganized neighborhoods?

Social and economic instability (poverty, frequent population changes and ethnic or cultural diversity, weak social connections), these conditions weaken community ties and make it harder for neighbors to work together to maintain order or control crime.

What does “broken windows” theory say about crime?

That visible signs of disorder and neglect (like broken windows, graffiti or litter) invite more crime and antisocial behavior. When minor problems go unchecked it sends a message that no one cares and that criminal behavior is tolerated leading to more serious crimes over time.

How does collective efficacy help prevent crime?

By building trust, mutual respect and cooperation with neighbors in a community. Residents look out for each other, work together to solve problems, willing to intervene when trouble arises, it creates a strong sense of social control which discourages crime and keeps neighborhoods safer.

In Merton’s Anomie theory, what causes crime?

Crime is caused by a disconnection between society’s goals and the means available to achieve them. Society encourages everyone to strive for success but not everyone has equal access to legitimate opportunities such as education or good jobs. They turn to crime out of strain and inequality.

According to institutional anomie theory, how did “the American Dream” encourage crime?

It puts too much emphasis on material success and money while downplaying morals, community and legitimate means of achieving those goals. The culture pressure to “succeed at any cost” can lead people to cut corners, break rules or commit crimes when they can’t reach success through legal ways.

In general strain theory, how is individual strain most often shaped by social forces?

Social stressors like inequality or failure shape strain by creating frustration that may lead to crime.

Poverty, family problems, discrimination or lack of opportunity. These social pressures create negative emotions (anger, frustration, resentment) that can push someone toward crime as a way to cope or get relief.

In cultural deviance theories, what kinds of conduct or traits are valued by deviant subcultures?

Traits like toughness, street smarts, defiance of authority and loyalty to the group. Those values develop as adaptations to poverty, inequality or limited opportunities. Gives them a sense of identity and success within their own community.

According to delinquent subculture theory, how do schools affect delinquency among working-class kids?

They can increase delinquency because they often judge success by middle-class standards (grades, behavior, language), when they can’t meet these expectations, they experience status frustration and feel rejected or looked down on. They may form delinquent subcultures that reverse school values.

According to differential opportunity theory, which disorganized neighborhoods fail to produce criminal gangs?

The ones that lack stable criminal role models or organized crime networks. These areas don’t have the structure or connections needed to teach youths how to make money through crime, there’s no system to learn or profit from crime.

What is community policing?

It focuses on building relationships and working closely with community members to solve problems and prevent crime. Instead of reacting to crimes after they happen, officers engage with residents, local organizations and businesses to build trust, share information and address the causes of crime together.

What traits of parenting result in high parental efficacy?

Traits that show support, consistency and involvement. They are warm and supportive, set clear rules and expectations, follow through with fair discipline. Also communicate well, monitor their children’s behavior and stay actively involved in their lives.

In differential association theory, how/why do people begin committing crimes?

They learn criminal behaviors, values and attitudes through interactions with others, especially close friends or family. If someone is exposed to more pro-crime messages than anti-crime ones, they start to see crime as acceptable or justified. 

In differential reinforcement theory, what shapes learning?

Rewards and punishments that follow behavior. People learn to commit or avoid crime based on whether their actions are reinforced or punished by others (friends, family, society)

What is neutralization?

According to social control theory, how would being on a school sports team help one avoid crime? 

By strengthening their social bonds (attachment, commitment, involvement, belief) and leaving less time for delinquency. 

Why does social reaction theory encourage the use of juvenile diversion programs?

It argues that official labeling (being called a “criminal” or “delinquent”) can make youth more likely to offend again. By using community programs, counseling or education instead of formal court processing, society can avoid giving a negative label and help build a positive self-image.

In conflict theories, how are laws usually decided?

By those who hold power and wealth in society. Dominant group creates laws that protect their own interests, maintain their control and keep less powerful groups in check.

In critical criminology, what ultimately causes crime?

Social inequality and power imbalances within society. Those in power create laws and social conditions that benefit the wealthy and powerful, while oppressing or disadvantaging the poor and marginalized. The unfair conditions (poverty, discrimination, lack of opportunity) lead some people to commit crime.

What do structural and instrumental theory disagree on?

They disagree on whether the law serves only the powerful or the stability of society as a whole.

Instrumental theory: law is a tool used by the rich and powerful to control and oppress the poor

Structural theory: law works to maintain the stability of the whole system, not just help the elite.

Define systemic racism.

Racial discrimination that is built into the laws, policies and institutions of a society. Operates through systems like education, housing, employment, and justice system.

Define patriarchy.

A social system where men hold power and authority over women in areas like politics, family, work, and society as a whole.

What is the main argument of left realism?

Crime is a real problem that harms working-class people the most, believe crime comes from social inequality, relative derivation and lack of community trust. Reduce inequality, improve policing and strengthen community relationships

What solution to crime does peacemaking suggest?

Promoting peace, justice and compassion. Crime and violence come from social inequality, anger and conflict, reduce crime with reconciliation, understanding and nonviolent approaches.

What are the major characteristics of a criminal career?

1. Onset - age someone offends for first time

2. Frequency - how often they commit crimes

3. Duration - how long criminal activity lasts

4. Seriousness - how severe or violent crimes become

5. Desistance - when and how they stop offending

In life course theories, what is cumulative disadvantage?

Negative experiences in life (poverty, poor parenting, school failure, early arrest) can build up over time and create future problems more likely, can weaken social bonds, limit opportunities and push towards a criminal lifestyle.

In age-graded theory, when do changes in criminal behavior most often happen?

Usually happen at important life events that build stronger social ties and stability (marriage, stable job, joining the military, becoming a parent)

In latent trait theory, which factor of crime changes?

The opportunities or situations change, while the trait stays stable.

What are the 2 latent factors of crime in the general theory of crime?

Crime happens when low self-control meets an opportunity to offend

In trajectory theory, what might cause the onset of crime after age 30?

Stressful life events, weakened social bonds or new negative influences that push someone toward offending later in life.