AQA A Level Sociology - Crime and Deviance

• Central Idea: Crime and Deviance

• Main Branches:

  1. Theories of Crime

     • Functionalism

       • Durkheim's Anomie

       • Merton's Strain Theory

     • Marxism

       • Crime as a product of capitalism

     • Interactionism

       • Labelling Theory

  2. Social Distribution of Crime

     • Gender

       • Male vs. Female crime rates

     • Social Class

       • Crime rates across different classes

  3. Globalisation and Crime

     • Transnational Crime

       • Drug trafficking

       • Human trafficking

     • Green Crime

       • Environmental crimes

  4. Crime Control and Prevention

     • Policing

       • Strategies and effectiveness

     • Punishment

       • Prisons and rehabilitation programs

     • Prevention

       • Community programs and initiatives

Crime and Deviance

• Central Idea: Crime and Deviance

In the realm of sociology, the study of crime and deviance is a crucial area of exploration. It delves into the various aspects of criminal behavior and societal reactions to such behavior, shedding light on the complexities of human interactions within the framework of laws and norms.

• Main Branches:

  1. Theories of Crime

     • Functionalism

       Functionalism, as a theoretical perspective, offers insights into the role of crime in society. Emile Durkheim's concept of Anomie highlights the breakdown of social norms, leading individuals to engage in deviant behavior. Robert Merton's Strain Theory further explores how societal structures can push individuals towards criminal activities due to the disjunction between cultural goals and legitimate means.

     • Marxism

       From a Marxist viewpoint, crime is often seen as a byproduct of capitalist structures. The unequal distribution of wealth and resources can create conditions where certain groups are more likely to resort to illegal activities as a means of survival or rebellion against the system.

     • Interactionism

       Interactionist perspectives, such as the Labelling Theory, focus on how societal reactions and labels can influence an individual's trajectory towards criminality. The process of being labeled as deviant can have profound effects on one's self-perception and future actions.

  2. Social Distribution of Crime

     • Gender

       Exploring crime through a gendered lens reveals interesting patterns. Male individuals are often associated with higher crime rates compared to their female counterparts. Societal expectations, socialization processes, and power dynamics all play a role in shaping these gender disparities in criminal behavior.

     • Social Class

       The correlation between crime and social class is a complex one. Different socioeconomic groups may exhibit varying levels of involvement in criminal activities, with factors like poverty, access to opportunities, and perceptions of justice influencing the dynamics of criminal behavior across different classes.

  3. Globalisation and Crime

     • Transnational Crime

       Globalization has facilitated the rise of transnational crimes like drug trafficking and human trafficking. These illicit activities transcend national boundaries, posing challenges for law enforcement agencies and raising questions about the interconnected nature of contemporary criminal enterprises.

     • Green Crime

       Environmental crimes