An essay plan on Consensus Theory for the A Level Sociology Crime and Deviance Module. Consensus Theory sees crime as […]
definitions of key concepts for A-level sociology students
Feely and Simon (1994) argue that a new ‘technology of power’ is emerging within the justice system. New approaches to
Thomas Mathiesen (1997) posits the concept of the ‘synopticon’, where widespread surveillance allows mutual monitoring. This contrasts with Foucault’s panopticon. Synoptic surveillance, exemplified by public monitoring and media scrutiny of politicians, may deter deviant behavior. However, classic law enforcement can impede bottom-up scrutiny. The implications for societal control and elite compliance are significant.
Public Space Protection Orders, Criminal Behaviour Orders, and Community Protection Orders have replaced ASBOs in England and Wales. These orders allow local councils to regulate behaviour and impose restrictions in certain areas. For instance, they can prohibit specific actions like loitering, or mandate corrective treatment for offenders. These orders aim to manage antisocial behaviour and are tailored according to the severity of the transgression. However, the effectiveness of these orders has been contentious.
The Broken Windows Theory posits that physical disorder like litter and vandalism can lead to higher crime rates, with informal social control methods seen as effective remedies. Evidence is mixed; a 2008 experiment found increased deviant behaviour in untidy environments, while a 2015 meta-analysis supported disorder-focused community interventions as crime reducers. However, a study on the “Moving to Opportunity” program found no correlation between disorderly environments and crime rates. Evaluating the theory is complex due to issues like defining and measuring disorder, and the possible influence of confounding variables.
ASBOs are a form of Zero Tolerance crime control and have been in use in the UK since 1999 –
According to both Police Recorded Crime and the Crime Survey of England and Wales, there has been a steady
analyse two reasons for the formation of subcultures (10) – a full mark answer.
Michel Foucault argued that crime control in modern societies works through surveillance rather than force. There are four ideas you