Lecture Notes on Crime and Punishment

Flashcards covering key concepts from lecture notes on crime, punishment, and related theories.

What is a crime?

An act that violates a society’s deeply held values or collective consciousness.

What are punishments in the context of crime?

Passionate responses to the deeply held values that are violated.

What is dehumanization?

The process of viewing others as less than human.

What are the pains of imprisonment?

Deprivations such as loss of liberty, safety, physical intimacy, goods and services, and autonomy that inmates experience while incarcerated.

What does 'deprivation of autonomy' refer to in the context of imprisonment?

Not being able to make your own decisions while incarcerated, following a set schedule for sleeping, eating, etc.

What does 'deprivation of liberty' refer to in the context of imprisonment?

Being indoors in the carceral institution for so long, being physically removed from your outside life.

What does 'deprivation of safety' mean in the context of imprisonment?

Being vulnerable in the carceral institution, always having to question whether you are safe or not.

What does 'deprivation of physical touch' mean in the context of imprisonment?

Not being able to have relations while incarcerated, or experiencing it as a violation.

What does 'deprivation of goods and services' mean in the context of imprisonment?

Not having/limited access to essential goods like medical care, ointments, education, etc.

What is SHU syndrome?

The psychological harm caused by long-term solitary confinement, including symptoms like anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and difficulty reintegrating into social life.

What is Cloward and Ohlin's strain theory?

People with both opportunities (access to criminal networks) and capabilities (skills or resources) are likely to engage in crime when faced with strain. Strain alone is not enough since people need the means and the chance to act.

What is Agnew's strain theory?

Crime results from negative experiences that produce strain and frustration, especially when a person lacks legal ways to cope with those emotions including failure to achieve positive goals, negative stimuli, removal of positive stimuli, strain, anger, lack of legal coping mechanisms and then crime.

What are the seductions of crime?

The emotional rewards that crime offers such as excitement, thrill, control, etc. that makes crime feel meaningful and pleasurable and makes you want to do it again and again.

What do social groups and solidarity refer to?

The emotional and moral bonds that connect individuals, where shared values and a sense of belonging can encourage people to stand up for what is right—even against powerful institutions.

What is differential association theory?

People learn criminal or non-criminal behavior through communication in intimate social groups, where they acquire the skills and techniques for action, adopt definitions favorable or unfavorable to crime, and are exposed to opportunities to carry out those behaviors.

What is honor in a social context?

A social value tied to one’s reputation and moral standing within a group, often motivating individuals to act with integrity, even if it means risking personal relationships or status.