Theories of Crime & Deviance (AQA A Level Sociology): Exam Questions

Read Item B below and answer the question that follows.

Item B

Realists see crime as a real and growing problem for society and highlight the damage crime causes to communities. Left realists argue that the causes of crime are structural and that an unequal society produces feelings of relative deprivation and marginalisation. They argue that one way to tackle crime is to reduce inequalities.

However, right realists take the view that crime is caused by rationally self-interested individuals who choose to commit crime. Crime can be reduced by increasing the risks of committing crime.

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of realist explanations of crime.

Read Item A below and answer the question that follows.

Item A

Every society sets goals for its members. However, not every member has an equal chance of achieving these mainstream goals by legitimate means. For example, some young people may underachieve at school. Similarly, living in a deprived or unstable neighbourhood can be a barrier to the achievement of mainstream goals.

Deviant subcultures respond to the difficulties of achieving mainstream goals in different ways.

Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways in which deviant subcultures may respond to the difficulties of achieving mainstream goals.

Read Item B below and answer the question that follows.

Item B

Functionalists argue that crime and deviance are inevitable as not everyone can be fully integrated into the norms and values of society. They believe that crime exists in all societies and has many benefits, such as showing people the difference between right and wrong.

However, other sociologists, such as conflict theorists, are more critical of the view that crime and deviance are beneficial for all individuals and for society as a whole. For example, the construction of crime could be seen to serve the interests of powerful groups.

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the view that crime and deviance are inevitable and beneficial for individuals and for society as a whole.