Description
Crime and Deviance – Task B: Theories Factsheet
Prepare a factsheet in which you compare, contrast and evaluate four main theoretical perspectives on crime and deviance. These four theories include the following; Functionalism, Symbolic Interactionism, Marxism, New Right. [AC 2.1, 2.2,] 500 words
1. Biological Theories of Crime and Deviance – 40 words:
Provide a couple of sentences on biological explanations of the causes of crime. Then state how sociological theories are different to biological theories.
2. Functionalism – 120 words:
Intro – one point on overall approach of functionalism to explaining crime and deviance
Start with Durkheim and include points on
– Anomie
– Deviance as an adaptive function
– And boundary maintenance
Then Merton and Strain theory
Then Cohen and his development of Strain to subcultural theory
And Cloward and Ohlin and their development of subcultural theory
Interactionism – 120 words:
Intro – one point on overall approach of interactionist theory and a couple of points of how interactionists criticise functionalism
Labelling
How certain demographics are labelled
Deviancy amplification
Primary and secondary deviance
Marxism – 100 words:
Traditional Marxism – Criminogenic and selective law enforcement etc
New Right Realism – 120 words
Intro – how do Right Realists criticise Marxism and Intertactionism?
What are the origins and influences
Where does crime derive from
Social control and social bonds
Cost-benefit
Cultural deficiencies
Suggested policies to prevent and/or combat crime
