Crime, Deviance, Social Control and Social Order | A Level Sociology

Summary

This sociology tutorial video delves into the concepts of crime, deviance, social control, and social order. It emphasizes that these behaviors are socially constructed and subjective, influenced by factors like time, age, gender, and cultural norms. The video provides an overview of how various sociological theories—functionalist, subcultural, Marxist, feminist, interactionist, and realist—interpret crime and deviance, and their implications for social order and control. It also touches on how power dynamics and societal structures contribute to the creation and management of crime.

Takeaways

• 📚 Crime and deviance are socially constructed and subjective, depending on factors like time, age, gender, cultural norms, and values.
• 🔍 Sociological theories explore not only the causes of crime and deviance but also their impacts on social order and how social control is maintained.
• 👥 Functionalists view crime as having both positive and negative impacts on social order, with social control maintained through adherence to society's moral code.
• 🌐 Durkheim suggests that crime can reinforce social order by highlighting collective values and norms.
• 🚦 Mertens argues that the existing social order, characterized by inequality, causes crime as people conform to idealized norms and values.
• 👮‍♂️ Hershey explains that those less integrated into society are more likely to become criminal due to weaker social control mechanisms.
• 🏢 Subcultural theories, like those of Cohen and Cloward, propose that some groups form subcultures with their own norms and values as a reaction to societal rejection and structural disadvantages.
• 🏛 Marxist perspectives focus on the power dynamics between the ruling and working classes, suggesting that the ruling class uses ideology and force to control the working class.
• 🚸 Neo-Marxists believe that individuals develop agency to resist exploitation and oppression, sometimes manifesting in criminal behaviors.
• 👩‍🏫 Feminist theories examine the differential social control over males and females and how it influences crime rates and societal responses.
• 👥 Interactionists consider crime a result of social interactions and the labeling process, which can lead to social isolation and further marginalization.

Q & A

What are the key concepts discussed in the video script related to sociology?

The key concepts discussed include crime, deviance, social control, and social order. The script explores how these concepts are socially constructed and influenced by factors such as time, age, gender, cultural norms, and values.

How do sociologists view crime and deviance as socially constructed?

Sociologists view crime and deviance as socially constructed because they are dependent on the social location where the act occurs and are influenced by social opinion, norms, and values of a society.

What is the role of time, age, gender, and cultural norms in determining crime and deviance?

Time, age, gender, and cultural norms are factors that influence whether an act is considered criminal or deviant, as they shape social opinion and societal norms and values.

What does the script suggest about the relationship between crime and social order?

The script suggests that crime can have both positive and negative impacts on social order and social control, and that those in power use various methods to maintain social order.

How do functionalists view the function of crime and deviance in society?

Functionalists view crime and deviance as having a role in maintaining social order and control through adherence to society's collective conscience or moral code.

What are Durkheim's views on the functions of crime and deviance?

Durkheim believed that crime has both positive and negative impacts on social order and social control, although the script does not detail these functions explicitly.

How does the existing social order cause crime according to Mertens?

Mertens suggests that the existing social order causes crime because society is unequal, yet social structures expect people to conform to an idealized set of norms and values.

What is the role of subcultural groups in crime and deviance according to subcultural theories?

Subcultural theories suggest that some groups react to societal norms and values because they cannot achieve socially approved goals due to structural disadvantages, leading them to seek status through deviant activities.

How do Marxist views on crime and deviance differ from traditional views?

Marxist views focus on the unequal power relationships between the ruling and working classes, suggesting that the ruling class uses power to control the working class through ideology and physical force, while ignoring crimes of the powerful.

What is the feminist perspective on crime and deviance as mentioned in the script?

The feminist perspective focuses on the different levels of control over males and females and how this is reflected in the reporting, recording, and punishment of crime, with some suggesting that controls on women are diminishing and leading to increased female criminality.

How do interactionists view the process of labeling in relation to crime and deviance?

Interactionists view the process of labeling as a form of social control that can lead to social isolation for those labeled as criminal or deviant, forcing them to obtain status from others who have also been marginalized.

What are the differences between right and left realist theories in addressing crime?

Right realists focus on controlling individuals through time, social spaces, and personal freedoms, while left realists look to restore social order by tackling inequalities and providing opportunities for legitimate status gain.