Question 1

Very few criminologists today view the disadvantaged economic class position as a primary cause of crime.

Accepted Answer

Many criminologists consider socioeconomic factors, including disadvantaged economic class positions, as significant contributors to crime, as they can lead to increased stress, reduced opportunities, and social disorganization, all of which are associated with higher crime rates.

Question 2

Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin argue that the opportunity or success in both conventional and criminal careers is limited.

Accepted Answer

Cloward and Ohlin's theory of differential opportunity suggests that not all individuals have equal access to conventional opportunities, such as education and employment, and that this lack of opportunity may lead some to turn to criminal activity instead. Therefore, they argue that opportunities for success in both conventional and criminal careers are limited.

Question 3

Which one of the following concepts is the centrepiece of Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin's theory that lower-class youths join gangs in order to belong and feel successful?

Accepted Answer

The concept of differential opportunity is the centrepiece of Cloward and Ohlin's theory. It suggests that lower-class youths join gangs because they lack access to legitimate opportunities for success, such as education and decent employment, and therefore turn to illegal means to achieve success and belonging. Relative deprivation, differential association, and anomie are other key concepts in criminology but are not the centrepiece of Cloward and Ohlin's theory.

Question 4

What did Albert Cohen's research into delinquent subcultures reveal about how criminals organize themselves and why?

Accepted Answer

Albert Cohen's research into delinquent subcultures revealed that those who are unable to achieve middle-class goals develop their own culture with a set of roles, norms, and values within which they can succeed. This subculture provides a sense of belonging and identity for individuals who feel excluded from mainstream society.

Question 5

Canada uses "low income cut-offs" as a measure of poverty in Canada.

Accepted Answer

Low income cut-offs are a measure of poverty in Canada that determine whether a family or individual has an income below what is necessary to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. These cut-offs are adjusted based on family size and location and are used by the Canadian government and other organizations to assess poverty levels in Canada.

Question 6

Robert Agnew's general strain theory suggests that there is more than one source of anomie.

Accepted Answer

Agnew's general strain theory argues that there are multiple sources of strain that can lead to anomie, including the failure to achieve goals, the removal or threat of positive stimuli, and the presentation or experience of negative stimuli.

Question 7

According to Albert Cohen, the corner boy is a chronic delinquent who adopts a set of norms and principles that directly oppose middle-class values.

Accepted Answer

Albert Cohen described the corner boy as one who tends to conform to the expectations of the lower-class culture and avoids trouble with the law, rather than adopting a set of norms that directly oppose middle-class values.

Question 8

General strain theory would support the claim of an offender who linked his criminal behaviour to the fact that he was abused as a child. Which type of strain would a general strain theorist call that experienced by abuse victims?

Accepted Answer

General strain theory posits that individuals may be pushed towards delinquency through the experience of negative stimuli, such as abuse. This type of strain involves the direct infliction of unpleasant events or conditions, which can lead to negative emotions and potentially result in criminal behavior as a coping mechanism.

Question 9

Not everyone who experiences strain will resort to criminal behaviour.

Accepted Answer

While strain may increase the likelihood of criminal behaviour, not everyone who experiences strain will choose to engage in illegal activities. Other factors such as coping mechanisms and opportunities play a role in determining criminal behaviour.

Question 10

Sociologist Robert Agnew's general strain theory helps identify the micro- or individual-level influences of strain.

Accepted Answer

Robert Agnew's general strain theory focuses on individual-level factors that contribute to strain, such as negative relationships, economic hardship, and exposure to violence. Therefore, it helps to identify the micro-level influences of strain.

Question 11

In 1987, William Julius Wilson provided a description of the plight of the lowest levels of the underclass, which he labelled the truly disadvantaged.

Accepted Answer

William Julius Wilson did provide a description of the plight of the lowest levels of the underclass, which he labelled the truly disadvantaged, in his book "The Truly Disadvantaged: The Inner City, the Underclass, and Public Policy", published in 1987.

Question 12

What is the impact of social welfare programs providing financial assistance directly to individuals and families in need?

Accepted Answer

Social welfare programs providing financial assistance can lead to lower crime rates as they alleviate financial stress and reduce the need for individuals to resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs.

Question 13

Findings suggest that poverty during early childhood may have a more severe impact than poverty experienced during adolescence.

Accepted Answer

Studies have found that poverty experienced during early childhood can have significant and long-lasting effects on children's cognitive, behavioral and emotional development, while poverty experienced during adolescence appears to have less impact on these outcomes. Therefore, poverty during early childhood may have a more severe impact than poverty during adolescence.

Question 14

In terms of quality of life, the group of Canadians most impacted by poverty is the elderly.

Accepted Answer

Children and indigenous populations in Canada are more significantly impacted by poverty than the elderly, due to factors like systemic inequalities, lack of access to resources, and higher rates of unemployment and underemployment in these groups.

Question 15

Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay contended that criminals are biologically inferior, intellectually impaired, or psychologically damaged.

Accepted Answer

Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay were sociologists who rejected biological and psychological explanations for criminal behavior. They instead focused on social and environmental factors, arguing that crime is a result of poverty, social disorganization, and other socio-economic factors.

Question 16

Rapidly changing neighbourhoods are more likely to have higher crime rates than slower changing neighbourhoods.

Accepted Answer

Rapidly changing neighbourhoods, often characterized by higher rates of turnover and shifting populations, can experience social disorganization and instability. This can lead to a breakdown in social control mechanisms and greater opportunities for crime to occur. In contrast, slower changing neighbourhoods may have more established social networks and community bonds, which can serve as a protective factor against crime.

Question 17

Cultural deviance theory combines elements of both strain and differential opportunity theories.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Cultural deviance theory combines elements of both...

Question 18

Robert Merton's view of anomie has been one of the most enduring and influential theories of criminality.

Accepted Answer

Robert Merton's theory of anomie has been widely influential in the fields of criminology and sociology. It suggests that individuals who are unable to achieve social goals through legitimate means may turn to criminal behavior as a means of achieving those goals. This theory has had a lasting impact on our understanding of why individuals engage in criminal activity.

Question 19

One of Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin's three types of gangs is known as "retreatists." What other term is used to describe this group who seek status derived from peer approval but struggle to do so both legally and illegally?

Accepted Answer

Cloward and Ohlin's retreatist gang is comprised of individuals who have failed to attain success both legally and illegally. They are double failures in that they cannot achieve success in either realm.

Question 20

Walter Miller first articulated the theory of delinquent subcultures.

Accepted Answer

Walter Miller is known for his theory of focal concerns, not delinquent subcultures. The theory of delinquent subcultures was articulated by Albert Cohen.

Quiz 6: Social Structure Theories