Criminology (Chapter 6)

Social Structure Theory

the view that disadvantaged economic class position is a primary cause of crime (3 branches)

Social Disorganization Theory

branch of social structure theory that focuses on the breakdown in inner-city neighborhoods of institutions such as family, school, and unemployment; ties crime rates to socioeconomic, structural conditions and cultural values

Ecological Conditions

Shaw & McKay; Chicago, structure & conditions, concentric zones; city center, crime goes down as you move outward crimes does not move with people

By Stander Apathy

social psychological phenomenon that refers to cases in which individuals do not offer any means of help to a victim when other people are present

Siege Mentality

a defensive or paranoid attitude based on the belief that others are hostile toward one

Strain Theory

branch of social structure theory that seems crime as a function of the conflict between people's goals and the means available to obtain them

Cultural Deviance Theory

branch of social structure theory that sees strain and social disorganization together resulting in a unique lower-class culture that conflicts with conventional social norms; when society is fragmented, independent subculture develops; new norms & values

Strain (Merton)

(adaptation occurs) the anger frustration and resentment experienced by people who believe they cannot achieve their goals through legitimate means; conflict between goals and means to obtain them

Public Social Controls (social disorganization)

police; informal social control = awarding or withdrawing approval effective parenting; institutional social controls = schools & churches

Collective Efficacy (social ecology school)

social control exerted by cohesive communities and based on mutual trust, including intervention in the supervision of children and maintenance of public order (racial and economic conditions lead to crime)

Transitional Neighborhood

an area undergoing a shift in population and structure, usually from middle-class residential to lower class mixed use

Broken Windows Theory

a criminological theory of the norm setting and signaling effect of urban disorder and vandalism on additional crime and antisocial behavior

Culture of Poverty

results in permanent underclass truly disadvantaged

Anomie Theory

the view that anomie results when socially defined goals (such as wealth and power) are universally mandated but access to legitimate means (such as education & job opportunities) is stratified by class and status

Alternative Criminal Means

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Social Adaptations Theories (Merton)

1. Conformity
2. Innovation
3. Ritualism
4. Retreatism
5. Rebellion

Conformity

when individuals embrace conventional social goals and also have the means to achieve them, they remain law abiding

Innovation

when individuals accept the goals of society but are unable or unwilling to attain them through legitimate means, the resulting conflict forces them to adopt innovative solutions to their dilemma

Ritualism

accept legitimate goals but lose sight of the means to achieve them

Retreatism

rejects both goals & means

Rebellion

rejects goals uses means but focuses on change

General Strain Theory (Agnew)

removal of positively valued stimuli, presentation of negative stimuli crime and delinquency are the results, anger, frustration

Social/Anti-Social Norms

rules governing daily living conditions within subcultures

Culture Conflict's Begin

rules expressed in criminal law; clash/demands of group conduct norms

Focal Concern

values such as toughness and street smarts, that have evolved specifically to fit conditions in lower class environments; in theory delinquent behavior is a protest against norms and values of the middle class

Status Frustration

lower class youth experience "culture conflict" because social conditions prevent them from achieving success as defined by the larger society

Differential Opportunities Theory

the view that lower class youths, whose legitimate opportunities are limited, join gangs and pursue criminal careers as an alternative means to achieve universal success goals ;gangs form (criminal gangs, conflict gangs)

Public Policy for Social Structure Theory

provide direct financial aid through welfare programs that assist needy families