...Unit: New Left Realism New Left Realism Deviance and Social Control New Left Realism Introduction In the early 1980's, two "new" approaches to the study of crime and deviance began to emerge in Britain and America, both of which focused upon the "realities" of crime (specifically) - but from different ends of the political spectrum. In Britain, the "New Left Realism" started to develop through the work of writers such as Lea and Young ("What Is To Be Done About Law And Order?", 1984), while the "New Right Realism" (confusing isn't it?) developed around the work of Wilson ("Thinking About Crime", 1977) in America and writers such as Clarke and Mayhew ("Designing out Crime", 1980) in Britain. While, as you might expect, the two basic approaches address the "problem" of crime from quite different political starting points, they have a couple of ideas in common: 1. Both view crime as a form of "social problem" - not only for control agencies but also for the victims / potential victims of crime. 2. Both produce ideas that attempt to locate crime within a wider political (albeit different) context - the "New Realism". In this set of Notes, therefore, what I propose to do is: a. Outline the basic elements of each perspective. b. Evaluate their overall strengths, weaknesses and general contributions to our understanding of the phenomenon of crime / deviance. This set of Notes focuses on New Left Realism and a subsequent set focuses on New Right Realism. www.sociology.org...
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...discrimination against a group or individual based on social and economic status. Classism is one of those “ism’s” that occurs more than we notice and sometimes, we may confuse it with things like racism or sexism. Many authors argue that factors outside of class play a more important role, but many believe that we should be more attentive to the role that class plays in targeting and the sentencing process in the criminal justice system. In order to understand the role that class plays in the sentencing process, we must, first, look at the role that it plays before the criminal reaches the day of sentencing. There are a plethora of publications that speak on profiling and actuarial methods which get people into the system. Though these are two large proponents of the discriminatory acts that exist within the confines of the criminal justice system, it does not begin with these institutionalized methods. The first instances of discrimination, which leads to all of the other forms within the system, are the laws and crime control policies that are implemented that, in some instances, are set up in favor of the rich and in opposition to the poor. In Marxist criminology, one of the fundamental principles is that the “ruling class” puts all of the other classes at a disadvantage. This is done...
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...social and economic status. Classism is one of those “ism’s” that occurs more than we notice and sometimes, we may confuse it with things like racism or sexism. Classism, in my opinion, plays a larger role in the criminal justice system as opposed to the other forms of discriminatory practices. In particular, class largely comes into play during the sentencing process. Many authors argue that factors outside of class play a more important role, but I believe that there needs to be more attention paid to the role that class plays in targeting and the sentencing process in the criminal justice system. In order to understand the role that class plays in the sentencing process, we must, first, look at the role that it plays before the criminal reaches the day of sentencing. There are a plethora of publications that speak on profiling and actuarial methods which get people into the system. Though these are two large proponents of the discriminatory acts that exist within the confines of the criminal justice system, it does not begin with these institutionalized methods. The first instance of discrimination, which leads to all of the other forms within the system, are the laws and crime control policies that are implemented that, in some instances, are set up...
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...and criminality. Through this independent study class for Fort Hays State University’s Justice Studies (Graduate) Program, I felt I would have the perfect opportunity to explore many of theories which have developed, over time, to explain criminal behavior. It is my hope that this research paper will provide an extensive and educational look at how the psychology of a criminal impacts the activity which is produced. It seems that every year brings new ideas, but I feel that the following is a conclusive look of research compiled from the beginning of criminality to the present. I have also provided a history of criminality and how it has developed into what we now understand as forensic psychology. This field will always remain fluid with discovery, and my greatest pleasure would come from being part of it in the future. [pic] “Wherever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves behind, even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness against him.” Edmund Locard The application of psychology in the criminal and civil justice system is known as forensic psychology. Hugo Munsterberg (1863 – 1916), a German-American psychologist was the first to pioneered the application of criminal psychology in research and theories. His research extended to witness memory, false confessions, and the role of hypnosis in court. In 1889, psychology students were beginning to take courses related to law such as “Crime and Modern Theories of the...
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...Personal Perception of Organized Crime Heather Kyzer CJA 384: Criminal Organizations April 23, 2013 Wm. Nelson Barnes Personal Perception of Organized Crime It estimated that by the FBI organized crimes contribute to more than one trillion United States Dollars annually in profit. Organized crimes come from all corners of the globe. The FBI work to disable these national and transnational syndicates with all capability possible by means of undercover investigations, confidential sources, surveillance, intelligence analysis, and sharing, other agency investigations, forensic accounting, and the power of racketeering statutes that help take down entire enterprises (Organized Crime, 2012). According to the FBI, “organized crime is defined as any group having some manner of a formalized structure and whose primary objective is to obtain money through illegal activities.” Organized crime groups maintain their structure through the use of violence, corrupt political officials, graft, extortion, and generally have a significant impact on the people with their location (Organized Crime, 2012). Personal perception of organized crime: When thinking about organized crime the envision that arises is that of a group of people, either one ethnic group or different races, which runs or control the neighborhood or even the entire city. The envision of drug selling, and other goods arises as well as individuals being murdered that interfere with these social structured individuals...
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...1. Assault and Aggravated Assault Assault is defined as the unlawful use of physical force against another person. Legally it is broadly divided into two categories; aggravated and simple. 2.1. Aggravated is when a person attacks with intent to kill or with the use of a deadly weapon. 2.2. All other forms of assault are considered simple and are also considered misdemeanors. 2.3. Similar to homicide research assaulters are more likely to be poor, to be black, to reside in large cities, commit the crime during the weekend, to live in the south, to be men and so on. 2.4. Research suggests assault is different form homicide in two ways. 2.5.1. Assaulters are less likely to use firearms for a crime. 2.5.2. During the summer season assault number rice significantly due to heat driving poor people out and a number of other factors. 2. Who is More Likely to Kill? The main striking trait about killers is that they are poor and blacks generally being poorer than whites are more likely to commit homicide. Similarly poor nations also have higher homicide rates. There are any findings like these but the book discusses them in detail further. 3.5. Class and Race Over 90 percent of murders in the United States are committed by unskilled, semiskilled and welfare recipients. Proving that poverty plays a role in homicide and besides there are several reasons for links between murder and poverty. 3.6.3. The poor are more...
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...Online 6/23/2012 ------------------------------------------------- Theories of Crime Causation Unit 3 Ind. Project The Sociological Theories Abstract The author of this paper focuses on the mainstream of criminology and the sociological theories of crime that have dominated the landscape for decades. The author focuses specifically on the social control theory, strain theory, differential association theory and the neutralization theory. These theories are often spoken due to their historical significance which was discovered during research in an attempt to examine delinquency and deviant behavior. Included in this paper the author shares with you her opinion as to the strengths and weaknesses of each theory. Further, she provides you with an example of a recent criminal arrest as it pertains to one of the aforementioned theories and the relevance that it has in explaining the offenders criminal actions. The first and most influential strain theorist is Robert K. Merton (1938). His original statement of anomie/strain theory is the basis for all of the theoretical developments. The strain has two associate components the first component is strictly focused on the concept of anomie (abnormalities), while the second is centered on the social structures, and the influences that society contributes to the strain theory. If you were to separate or combined these two components either way can lead an individual to a higher level of deviance and/or criminal...
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...Glossary of Sociological Terms |11-Plus Exam |Examination introduced with the 1944 Education Act, sat by all pupils in the state sector| | |at the age of 11. If they passed they went to the selective Grammar School, or if they | | |failed to the Secondary Modern School. This exam still exists in some counties such as | | |Kent and also in Northern Ireland. | |12-Plus Exam |Exam made available only to a minority of 'high-flyers' in Secondary Modern schools, | | |offering a late chance to go to Grammar School at the age of 12. | |'30-30-40 society' |A term associated with Will Hutton to describe an increasingly insecure and polarised | | |society. The bottom 30 per cent is socially excluded by poverty from the rest of society.| | |The next 30 per cent live in fear and insecurity of falling into poverty. Only the top 40| | |per cent feel secure and confident. ...
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...runners up to being emperor. IV. Life in Roman Time: Home Life a. The lives of the lower classes and upper classes greatly differed when it came to their personal lives, where they lived, and what they ate. The majority of lower class families lived in “insulae” which were homes that were placed above or behind the family’s workplace. The families in the upper class lived in a “domus” with an open courtyard at the center and living quarters surrounding it. Many upper class families had two homes, one of which was in the city and one in the countryside. Most Roman families whether rich or poor practiced the same traditions, which they believed made them...
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...they see the law as a tool of the ruling class, the police and other social control agencies as paid agents of the ruling class, and crime as an inevitable outcome of the dog-eat-dog nature of the capitalist system, and the inequalities it generates. Crime also serves as a diversionary tactic, it diverts attention away from the exploitation and inequalities within the capitalism system and focuses the minds of the proletariat on deviants and criminals who are then mistakenly blamed for being the real cause of problems in society. However there are several variations in Marxist ideas on crime. Neo Marxists have developed critical criminology which has attempted to incorporate labelling theory and Brake has used subcultural theory to explain the attraction of youth groups. Assignment 2 – Using material from Item B and elsewhere assess the usefulness of Marxist approaches in explaining crime The traditional Marxist belief is a structural one as they see society as being based on a structure, this structure being determined and controlled by one of the two groups that they believe society is divided into. These two groups are the ruling capitalist class (bourgeoisie) who own the means of production, and the working class (proletariat) whose alienated labour the ruling class exploit to make profit. Item B draws on this point as it says “they see the law as a tool of the ruling class.” There are several variations in Marxist ideas on crime (Item B). Traditional Marxists talk more...
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...Definitions Suburb, suburbia:. Suburbia generally refers to the outer residential parts of a continuously built-up city. A suburb is a socially homogeneous district within that area. The term carries connotations of fairly low densities of occupance and of a particular life style suited to family and leisure needs. [The Penguin Dictionary of Human Geography]. Philip Davies [Director, London Region, English Heritage] Suburbanisation: The outward growth of urban development to engulf surrounding villages and rural areas. “Suburbs are at risk of becoming new inner cities in terms of deprivation” [The Guardian December 31st 2003] Suburbanisation and the Cycle of Urbanisation The suburbs of the capital city cover almost two thirds of its area and house more than half its population. According to a recent Greater London Authority publication [A city of Villages: Promoting a sustainable future for London’s suburbs] “Unlike other UK cities, London does not entirely conform to the pattern of deprived inner city and affluent suburban ring....
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...Introduction I have prepared this report regarding the effects of inequalities in health and social care. It will include the meaning of social construction and stratification in the UK. I will be looking at Current trends in society in the UK as well as cultural values, beliefs and the implications of change in society that effect the health and social care sector. Task 1 LO 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Social construction is something you might not be aware of. You are somewhat living in segregation depending on what gender, race and class you are. Race, class and gender don’t really mean anything. They only have a meaning because society gives them a meaning. Social construction is how society groups people and how it privileges certain groups over others. For example, you are a woman or a man because society tells you that you are, not because you choose to be. Simple as that. Just like it tells you what race you’re classified as and what social class you belong in. It is all just a social process that makes us differentiate between what’s “normal” and what’s not “normal.” http://oakes.ucsc.edu/academics/Core%20Course/oakes-core-awards-2012/laura-flores.html Social constructionism is characterised by an emphasis on the extent to which society is actively and creatively produced by human beings. The world is portrayed as made or invented – rather than as given or taken for granted. Social worlds are interpretive nets woven by individuals and groups’ (Marshall 1998: 609) The...
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...relating to crime. First, the American Dream is based upon the desperate craving for richness. Being rich and famous may be a fantasy of many but in our society there are people that will go to drastic measures to ensure that it becomes a reality. This is where the economy plays a role in criminal behavior. People tend to want that which they don't have and are on a constant pursuit to attain the American Dream. Poverty is one example in which this desire for money and survival can lead to crime. For example, a bum on the streets of Brooklyn, living in a cardboard box and currently unemployed may resort to stealing in order to survive. He may steal food for nutrition, clothing for warmth, and money for personal pleasure. The criminal behavior in which he took part in gave him instant pleasure and comfort. In this case the immediate effects outweigh the consequences of the crime. It was the best thing the though he could do to guarantee his survival. The rich on the other hand may not need to resort to these measures to fulfill their so-called " American Dream" because it is a reality. This shows how the lower-class system may make the poor more prone and vulnerable to crime. It is highly apparent that certain societies and social groups are faced with situations that may prove to be conducive elements towards crime. Gangs and crime are bred in large cities. People who have a tendency to get in trouble may easily be dragged into the world of crime. The second...
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...Evaluation of Criminal Theory The study relating to the causes of, and reasons for, crime has long been an interest to criminologist and psychologist. Since the mid 1800�s different aspects of the scientific community have explored the question of why people commit crime. This paper will discuss several theories that have developed over the years, how those theories have grown and changed and which theories seem to be the most prevalent today. The theories that will be discussed revolve around the biological and psychological study of crime, the strain and cultural deviance studies of crime and the social control aspects of crime. All of these studies and theories will be compared and examined to understand the standing of criminology today. The first study of why people commit crime revolved around the belief that criminal behavior resulted from a persons� abnormal psychology. These theories suggest that criminal behavior is caused by some underlying physical or mental condition. These conditions separate the societies criminals from the non- criminals (Adler et. al, 2007 p.116). The first people to study this rationale where called Positivist Criminologist and believed that; Human behavior is determined by forces beyond individual control and that is it possible to measure those forces�{They} view criminal behavior as stemming from biological, psychological and social factors. (Adler et. al, 2007 p.60) In the late 1870�s, Cesare Lombroso...
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...Can the amendments from the Bill of Rights be valued of importance? The bill of rights consists of ten amendments each guaranteeing an individual right of every United States citizen. In this essay I have picked two amendments, which I will explain, their importance and negative consequences. Continuing on the relevance of the second amendment in today’s American climate and the arguments that those are for/against about gun control. The first amendment of the Bill of Rights sets the tone for the rest of the document showing the limitations the government has towards any United States citizen. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech,...
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