(1) understanding sociological perspectives on crime

For what 5 reasons do different theories emerge when presented with identical facts or models?

1. facts can be interpreted differently due to dif. emphases eg. functionalists + Marxists emphasis tech. vs ownership of tech.

2. all theories are based off underlying assumptions taken for granted by theorists involved eg. labelling theorists see crime as a product of the way in which acts are interpreted

3. theories reflect the values of those producing them

4. theories emerge from particular societies & reflect the social, political + economic issues that people are facing eg. conflict theories are equipped to explain the Black civil rights, Gay Rights, + feminist movements of 60s

5. new theories often emerge out of questioning earlier theories

KEY TERM

sociological theories which view societies as comprising groups with conflicting interests vying for dominance

conflict theories

What is an example of an underlying assumption taken for granted by sociologists of a particular theory?

labelling theorists see crime as a product of the way in which certain acts are interpreted by those with power

What is an example of a theory that emerged from a particular society, reflecting the social, political and economic issues that individuals of that faced?

conflict theories were equipped to explain the Black civil rights, Gay Rights, + feminist movements of the 60s, while functionalist theories of the 40s/50s were not