Crime and Deviance

Crime and Deviance

Controlling and preventing crime: the role of the community

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Sociological theories highlight the community’s role in preventing crime, with an emphasis on informal social control. Different theories suggest that community attachment and intervention reduce crime. However, in a postmodern, networked society, the concept of local community is challenged by virtual networks, limiting traditional crime control. Effective community interventions include after-school programs and neighborhood watch schemes.

Crime and Deviance

Synoptic Surveillance and Crime Control

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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.

Crime and Deviance

Public Space Protection Orders and Criminal Behaviour Orders

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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.

Crime and Deviance, right and left realism

Broken Windows Theory: An Evaluation

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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.

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