Term
Social Control
What is social control?
Answer
Definition
Mechanisms that prevent deviance and encourage conformity to maintain social order.
These notes cover contrasting philosophies from prevention and social reform to punishment and control.
Strategies designed to reform offenders through treatment rather than punishment, focusing on changing behaviour and addressing underlying causes, such as addiction or lack of skills.
GREATER EQUALITY IN SOCIETY: Reducing social inequalities (poverty, unemployment, poor education) can address some root causes of crime. Policies focusing on economic justice, welfare, and social inclusion can prevent crime long-term.
Increasing use of CCTV and data monitoring as deterrents. Concepts like actuarial justice assess risk profiles to target policing.
What is social control?
Mechanisms that prevent deviance and encourage conformity to maintain social order.
How does sociology influence social policy on crime?
By providing insights into causes, patterns, and effects of crime, guiding prevention and control strategies.
What is multi-agency working in community crime prevention?
Collaboration between police, social workers, schools, and community groups to address root causes of crime.
What is consensual policing?
A policing approach emphasizing community partnership and trust rather than heavy-handed enforcement.
What is restorative justice?
A method focusing on dialogue between victim and offender to repair harm and promote healing.
What is reintegrative shaming?
Encouraging offenders to take responsibility without permanent stigmatization.
Name an example of rehabilitation strategy.
Community sentencing, drug treatment programs, or educational initiatives in prisons.
How does greater equality reduce crime?
By addressing root social causes like poverty and unemployment through inclusive policies.
What is situational crime prevention?
Targeting immediate opportunities for crime through environmental design and target hardening.
What is the displacement theory in crime prevention?
The idea that crime may move to another location rather than stop completely when prevention measures are applied.
What is defensible space theory?
Designing environments to increase natural surveillance and reduce opportunities for crime.
What does retributive justice focus on?
Punishment as deterrence and societal retribution for crime.
What is synoptic surveillance?
Monitoring many individuals simultaneously using technologies like CCTV and data analysis.
What ethical issues does surveillance raise?
Concerns about privacy, control, and potential abuse of monitoring powers.