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Crime

Crime. Today Crime versus Deviance Causes of crime (functionalism, symbolic interactionism, conflict theory) Real world connection About assignment #5 due next class (Asn#4 will be graded and returned next class).

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Crime

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  1. Crime Today Crime versus Deviance Causes of crime (functionalism, symbolic interactionism, conflict theory) Real world connection About assignment #5 due next class (Asn#4 will be graded and returned next class) “Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” –Oprah Winfrey

  2. Relative depravation: feeling that you have less compared to another

  3. Crime vs. Deviance

  4. Crime vs. Deviance • Criminal but not deviant • Criminal and deviant • Deviant but not criminal

  5. How do we get info about crime? • Official statistics • Victimization surveys • Self-report offender surveys

  6. Problems With Official Statistics • Many crimes are not reported. • Rates may be exaggerated.

  7. What causes criminal behavior? • Biological theories • Psychological theories • Sociological theories * When choosing a crime article for assignment 5, avoid crimes that seem more psychologically based

  8. What causes criminal behaviorSociological theories Structural Functionalism 1. Strain theory 2. Crime can be functional Symbolic Interactionism 3. Control theory 4. Labeling theory 5. Deterrence theory 6. Differential Association 7. Conflict Perspective

  9. Structural Functionalism Structure of society makes it impossible for some people to achieve success in legitimate ways

  10. Structural FunctionalismRobert Merton Strain Theory/Theory of Anomie Strain theory: when people believe a goal is important but do not have legal means to get it state of anomie-a sense of normlessness

  11. Robert Merton Strain Theory/Theory of Anomie Cultural goal = goal that most people in society feel is important Institutionalized means = legal and approved way of attaining the goal financial success college talent Society’s Goals: ___ Society’s Way: ___

  12. Merton- Strain Theory Society’s Goals: yes Society’s Way: no 1.Innovation- accept society’s goal but find their own way of getting it Example: Drug Dealer

  13. Merton- Strain Theory Society’s Goals: no Society’s Way: yes 2.Ritualism- do not buy into the goals of society but follow the routines Example: an apathetic high school student

  14. Merton- Strain Theory 3.Retreatism- reject the goals of society and retreat from society Society’s Goals: no Society’s Way: no Example: drug addict

  15. Merton –Strain Theory 4. Rebellion- reject the values of society, substitute a new set of values. Society’s Goals: no, makes own goals Society’s Way: maybe Example: Animal rights activist

  16. Merton- Strain TheoryThose who don’t feel strain/anomie conform: 5. Conformity- accept society’s goals as well as society’s way of attaining these goals. Society’s Goals: yes Society’s Way: yes Example: Business owner

  17. Other structural functionalist viewpoints Crime is functional for society • Strengthens group cohesion:people unite to express outrage over a crime. • Punishment reiterates boundaries of what is considered right or wrong • May inspire social change

  18. Structural functionalist Review emphasize how deviants are products of society Structure of society makes it impossible for some people to achieve success in legitimate ways

  19. Symbolic Interactionism Control theory A strong social bond between individuals and society keeps most people from violating social norms.

  20. Can you match the labels to the photograph? librarian sex offender lawyer teacher surgeon student CEO 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

  21. CEO librarian teacher sex offender lawyer surgeon student

  22. Labeling Theory Society creates deviants by labeling those who have been apprehended as different • Self-fulfilling prophecy • Example: “Spurters”

  23. Other symbolic interactionistviewsDifferential Association Theory Interaction with others teaches individuals: • values and attitudes associated with crime • techniques and motivations for criminal behavior Some say the interaction can be virtual (through video games, movies, music) What do you think? Can video games or violence in movies increase criminal behavior?

  24. Differential association theory certain groups or subcultures have criminal acts woven into the texture of life

  25. Deterrence Theory People commit crimes if the perceived consequences do not outweigh the potential benefit Example: Cheating Carpool lane

  26. Symbolic Interactionism Review importance of labels, group influence, and consequences Deviance is learned through • groups we interact with • the labels we acquire • choice is based on cost/benefit assessment

  27. Conflict theory criminal justice system is controlled by a small group of people who have power Sees the law as an instrument of oppression

  28. Conflict theory real world example In 2002, Firestone executives let faulty tires remain on U.S. vehicles, even though they were recalling the tires in Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. More than 200 Americans died from accidents Firestone- manufacturing defective tires, Ford- equipping vehicles with tires that were too small No Firestone or Ford Executive went to jail (Henslin, 2006)

  29. Conflict theory real world example Hughes Electronics Boeing Satellite Systems 2003, two leading U.S. aerospace companies, were accused of illegally exporting missile technology to China. The technology allowed China to improve its delivery system for nuclear weapons, therefore placing the United States at risk. The two companies pled guilty and paid fines. No executives from Hughes or Boeing went to jail. (Henslin, 2006)

  30. Whites, Latinos, and Blacks arrested for Marijuana Possession in New York City Percentages of Marijuana Use, by Race/Ethnicity: 2000 Source: The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k2/YouthMJuse/YouthMJuse.htm

  31. Conflict Theory Review • Social inequality leads to crimes as a means of economic survival. • Those in power define what is criminal. • Law enforcement penalizes those without power (often racial minorities or those of lower socioeconomic status) and benefits those with power.

  32. Apply the theories to real world events Work in groups of 4-5. Turn desks together 1. Read the crime/news incident 2. Write down names of everyone in group 3. Briefly summarize the crime 4. Which theoretical perspective would you like to analyze the crime through? (Which sociological explanation of deviance best explains the crime?) 5. Why? What would this perspective say about the incident? Select 1-2 people from your group to share your findings with the class. Keep paper clips! Attach and return articles at the end of class More than one “right answer”

  33. Parents of Dead Mexican Teenager Sue U.S. Government A) Summarize the incident B) Which sociological explanation of deviance best explains the crime? Why? Real World Connections

  34. Bronx Woman Arrested for Illegal Breast Enlargements A) Summarize the incident B) Which sociological explanation of deviance best explains the crime? Why? Real World Connections

  35. Jailed For Switching Her Daughters School District A) Summarize the crime B) Which sociological explanation of deviance best explains the crime? Why? Real World Connections

  36. Paralyzed After Tased By 2 Cops A) Summarize the crime B) Which sociological explanation of deviance best explains the crime? Why? Real World Connections

  37. Boyfriend Arrested After Girl Dies Following Knife Attack at California High School A) Summarize the crime B) Which sociological explanation of deviance best explains the crime? Why? Real World Connections

  38. 5 Charged in Drug Ring Police Call Gang-Related A) Summarize the crime B) Which sociological explanation of deviance best explains the crime? Why? Real World Connections

  39. LAPD Defends Officers Who Shot Man During Struggle A) Summarize the incident B) Which sociological explanation of deviance best explains the crime? Why? Real World Connections

  40. Drug mule caught with almost a kilo of cocaine inside his body at Brazilian airport A) Summarize the crime B) Which sociological explanation of deviance best explains the crime? Why? Real World Connections

  41. Gold's High Price Leads to Brazen Necklace Robberies A) Summarize the crime B) Which sociological explanation of deviance best explains the crime? Why? Real World Connections

  42. Coming up • Due Next Class A #5 • Look for an article about a recent crime in the news (local or global). • Write a paragraph summarizing the crime and describe which sociological explanation of deviance you think best explains this crime and explain why. • Include the news source and date of crime. • More details on website. • 10 points • Must be typed

  43. Black men in the United States are 6.6 times more likely than white men to be incarcerated. More than 10% of all Black males ages 25 to 39 were in prison or jail as of June 30, 2008. (Humanrightswatch.org April 09) Latino

  44. White Collar Crime Crimes committed in course of employment • Occupational - individuals commit crimes in the course of their employment. • Corporate - corporations violate law to maximize profit.

  45. Group Activity Expectations • Always introduce yourself when working with new students • Every group member must contribute • Allow others to complete their thoughts • Ask others for input • Be respectful • Focus and put in your best effort • -Not a time to check cell phones • -Not a time for restroom breaks • 7. Stop talking when buzzer goes off • 8. Listen when other groups share

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