Crime

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

2. Crime vs. Deviance

3. Crime vs. Deviance 3 a. Criminal but not deviant b. Criminal and deviant c. Deviant but not criminal 4 2 1

4. 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

5. 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

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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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

15. CEO librarian teacher sex offender lawyer surgeon student

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

17. Symbolic Interactionism Control theory A strong social bond between individuals and society keeps most people away from crime

18. Other symbolic interactionistviewsDifferential Association Theory Interaction with others teaches • 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?

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

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

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

22. 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)

23. 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)

24. White, Latino, and African-Americans 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

25. 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. Which sociological explanation of deviance best explains the crime? 4. Why? More than one “right answer” Keep paper clips! Attach and return articles at the end of class

26. Assignment #5 details. Due next class. Directions on website

27. 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

28. 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

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

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

31. 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

32. 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

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

34. 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

35. 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

36. 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.

37. 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

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