Differential Enforcement Of The Law - GCSE Sociology Definition

Differential enforcement of the law refers to the idea that laws are applied and enforced inconsistently across different groups within society, often influenced by factors such as race, class, gender, or age.

In GCSE Sociology, this concept highlights how certain social groups may experience harsher or more lenient treatment by law enforcement and the criminal justice system. For example, young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds may be more likely to experience stricter policing compared to their wealthier counterparts.

Understanding differential enforcement is important as it provides insight into broader issues of inequality and social justice within a society.