The Social Construction of Crime
Exploring the distinction between crime and deviance, and how definitions of criminality change across different cultures and historical periods. Students will debate the fluid nature of the law.
About This Topic
Exploring the distinction between crime and deviance, and how definitions of criminality change across different cultures and historical periods. Students will debate the fluid nature of the law.
Key Questions
- What is the difference between crime and deviance?
- How do laws change across different cultures and time periods?
- Why is criminality considered a social construct?
More in Criminological Theories
Biological and Physiological Theories
An overview of early and modern biological explanations for criminal behaviour, including genetics and brain abnormalities. Students will evaluate the strengths and limitations of these deterministic views.
2 methodologies
Psychological Explanations of Criminality
Examining individualistic theories of crime, including psychodynamic approaches, social learning theory, and personality traits. Students will apply these theories to real-world criminal profiles.
2 methodologies
Sociological Perspectives on Crime
Analysing how social structures, inequalities, and labelling contribute to crime rates. Students will compare Marxist, functionalist, and interactionist views on the criminal justice system.
2 methodologies