Crime and Deviance

What this unit covers

This page sits in the Crime, Power and Politics strand of Sociology. Most of what it lists is made up of mind maps, and they cover the main theories of crime and deviance. The Functionalist Theory of Crime map explains Durkheim's view that crime is a normal part of healthy societies. The first map on the page adds Merton, strain theory and anomie. Other maps cover Labelling theory, Right Realism, Left Realism, Social Conflict Theory and Marxist explanations.

Where to start

Begin with the mind map called Crime and Deviance for a quick overview of functionalist ideas. Then open the Crime and Deviance key Words flashcards, which list terms such as anomie, chivalry thesis, control theory and corporate crime. If you are preparing for GCSE, the GCSE Sociology-Crime and Deviance deck starts with what crime and deviance are, and with formal and informal social control.

Patterns of crime

Once the theories make sense, move to who commits crime and who is affected. The Ethnicity & Crime map draws on the British Crime Survey and looks at victims and reporting. There are also maps on gender and crime, delinquent girls, social class, youth deviance, the media and crime, and crime prevention.

Using quizzes and maps together

1. Read a map on one theory, such as labelling theory.
2. Take a quiz, for instance the one on functionalist responses to crime and deviance.
3. Note the questions you missed and go back to that branch of the map.
4. Finish with a flashcard deck to fix the key terms.

The resources were made by GoConqr users, so styles differ. Compare a few maps on the same theory and keep the one that fits your course.

Make it your own

When you have found a map or deck you like, try writing your own summary of a theory, then turn it into a short quiz to check what stuck.