Sociology

Sociology Study Guide

• Containment theory: Walter Reckless. States that criminals lack a positive self-concept which makes them unable to resist temptations. • Becker’s thoughts: states that most people’s behavior is a result of the consequences of a previous deviant act. o A primary deviation leads to secondary deviation. • Conflict theory: Asserts that not every member in a community share identical values. o Small, powerful groups have values and goals that are different from those of the less powerful groups. Thus, some actions of the less powerful seem to be deviant to those in power. o Culture conflict theory: Every society contains smaller subcultures with their own set of values and norms. o Marxian conflict theory: The inequalities of American life cause deviance. Based on the above theories, the three steps to becoming a career deviant include: • Observe a deviant act by someone in the primary group (Differential association theory) • Have a label assigned (Labeling theory) • Join a deviant subculture Crime and Statistics Crime is an act that contradicts a formal law and is punishable by negative sanctions. Illegal behaviors are those that are considered to be too socially disruptive and/or too difficult to control through informal sanctions. The law defines the nature of the offense, states who cannot perform that act, and describes the sanction applicable. The Federal Bureau of Investigation classifies crimes into four categories. • Violent crimes: Committed against persons; these are the most serious crimes;murder, rape • Crimes against property: Burglary and theft • Crimes without victims: Moral crimes; prostitution • White collar (corporate) crimes: Committed by the powerful for money; embezzlement Organized crime refers to the act of making a profit off of illegal activities. Violent crimes onlyaccount for 1-2% of all crime, but they receive the most attention because of the severity. The FBI compiles information concerning eight index crimes. Those index crimes are: homicide, forcible rape, aggravated assault, robbery, larceny-theft, burglary, auto theft, and arson. Generalized statisticsare available based on the information gathered. Variations in the statistics occur. • Most crime is committed by those 25 years old or younger • Males commit most crime

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