Discuss how far sociologist would agree that inadequate socialisation is the main cause of criminal and deviant behaviour.
AQA
GCSE
2019
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Introduction
Briefly define crime and deviance. Highlight the complexity of the issue with a range of sociological explanations. Briefly outline the different sociological perspectives on this question and state your line of argument. For example, you could argue that whilst sociologists agree that inadequate socialisation can play a role in criminal behaviour, they are more likely to argue it is one of several influencing factors.
New Right and Inadequate Socialisation
Explain the New Right view of crime. This centres around the idea that the nuclear family is the correct family type and best for socialising children into societies norms and values. Lone parent families are seen as more likely to inadequately socialise children, leading to crime. This is linked to the idea of an ‘underclass’. Briefly outline Charles Murray’s ideas here.
Functionalism and Socialisation
Functionalists argue crime has some positive functions for society, for example reinforcing boundaries. However, too much crime is dysfunctional. Durkheim would argue that without a strong collective conscience, which is learned through effective primary socialisation, individuals can become increasingly individualistic and prone to anomie, a state of normlessness, which can lead to crime.
Analysis and Evaluation of the New Right and Functionalist Perspectives on Socialisation
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the New Right approach. You could use evidence to question the idea that crime is linked to family type. You could also use evidence from anthropologists such as Margaret Mead who found that in some cultures, childcare is shared amongst the community rather than the nuclear family. How might this challenge Murray’s view? Also, evaluate the Functionalist perspective. Consider whether the concept of anomie is useful for understanding crime and whether it is really possible to measure ‘normlessness’.
Alternative Explanations: Labelling Theory
This section will consider sociological perspectives such as labelling theory, which argue that social control can actually lead to deviance. Briefly outline the key features of labelling theory, referring to key concepts such as primary and secondary deviance, self fulfilling prophecy and master status. Use sociological studies to illustrate your points. For example you could refer to Jock Young’s study of ‘hippy marijuana users in Notting Hill’.
Alternative Explanations: Strain theory and Subcultural theory
This section will consider structural explanations, which argue that the organisation of society can lead to crime and deviance. Outline Merton’s strain theory and use this to explain why some individuals may turn to crime. You should also include a discussion of Cohen’s work on status frustration and subcultural theory. How can this be used to explain why young people in particular may commit crime? For example, you could refer to the work of Willis or more recent studies of gang culture.
Analysis and Evaluation of Labelling Theory, Strain theory and Subcultural Theory
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. For example, labelling theory has been criticised for being too deterministic; it suggests that once an individual has been labelled they will inevitably go on to commit crime. How far is this a fair assessment of this approach? Similarly, assess the strengths and weaknesses of strain theory and subcultural explanations of crime. You could use evidence to challenge the idea that everyone shares the same goals. You could also draw upon postmodern ideas about the nature of crime in contemporary society. For example, postmodernists argue that crime is now more likely to be for pleasure or excitement, rather than simply to achieve material success, as suggested by Merton.
Conclusion
Conclude by summarising the key arguments presented in your essay and offer your own viewpoint on the question. Ensure your conclusion is supported by evidence from the main body of your essay. In your judgement how far do sociologists agree that inadequate socialisation is the main cause of criminal and deviant behaviour?
Inadequate Socialisation: The Main Cause of Criminal Behaviour?
This essay will explore the extent to which sociologists agree that inadequate socialisation is the main cause of criminal and deviant behaviour, examining various sociological perspectives.
The Importance of Socialisation
Socialisation, the process of learning society's norms and values, is crucial for social order. Functionalists, like Durkheim, argue that successful socialisation creates value consensus – shared norms and values – essential for a stable society. They emphasise the role of primary socialisation within the family, where children learn acceptable behaviour. New Right thinkers echo this, arguing that inadequate socialisation, particularly in the 'underclass', leads to a lack of moral values and, consequently, criminal behaviour.
Alternative Explanations: Strain and Subculture
However, other sociological perspectives challenge this view. Strain theory, developed by Merton, argues that societal structures can pressure individuals into crime. Merton suggests that everyone strives for the 'American Dream' of success. However, those lacking legitimate opportunities may experience 'strain' and turn to crime as an 'adaptation'.
Similarly, Cohen's work on subcultures suggests that individuals, particularly working-class boys, may experience 'status frustration' due to their inability to achieve status in mainstream society. They may join delinquent subcultures, offering alternative status hierarchies and norms that justify criminal behaviour. This challenges the idea that inadequate socialisation alone causes crime.
The Power of Labelling: Interactionist Perspectives
Interactionists offer a different perspective, focusing on the social construction of crime. They argue that no act is inherently criminal; it becomes so through societal reaction and labelling. Becker's labelling theory suggests that being labelled as deviant can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy. Individuals may internalise the label and continue with deviant behaviour. This highlights how societal reactions, rather than inadequate socialisation alone, can influence criminal pathways.
Evaluating the Perspectives
While the New Right perspective highlights the importance of socialisation, critics argue that the concept of an 'underclass' is overly simplistic and stigmatises certain groups. Functionalism, while insightful, is criticised for neglecting the role of power and inequality in shaping criminal behaviour. Strain theory is valuable in explaining crime arising from social inequalities, although it struggles to explain crimes without economic motives.
Cohen's work provides valuable insights into the role of subcultures; however, it can be criticised for assuming everyone aspires to mainstream goals. Labelling theory is crucial in understanding the impact of societal reactions on individuals but can be criticised for potentially downplaying the role of individual agency in choosing to commit crime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while inadequate socialisation, particularly as highlighted by the New Right and Functionalist perspectives, plays a role in shaping criminal behaviour, it is not the sole cause. Strain theory and subcultural theories demonstrate how societal inequalities and alternative status systems can lead to deviance. Moreover, labelling theory highlights the significant influence of societal reactions on individual behaviour. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of criminal behaviour necessitates considering a complex interplay of factors, including socialisation, opportunity, labelling, and individual choices.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
AO1
• New Right.
• Functionalism.
• Interactionism
• Strain theory.
• Peer group and subculture influence.
AO2
• New Right perspective eg that inadequate socialisation of the underclass can lead to criminal behaviour.
• Functionalist perspective eg the importance of primary socialisation experiences within the family.
• Labelling theory as an alternative explanation eg preconceptions and stereotypes can affect decisions made by the police and other elements of the criminal justice system.
• Strain theory as an alternative explanation eg Merton’s view that everyone shares the same goals in society, but unequal chances leads to different ‘adaptations to strain’.
• Cohen’s work on subcultures and status frustration as an alternative explanation.
AO3
• Analysis and evaluation of the New Right perspective eg to what extent does an underclass exist in Britain (with different norms and expectations to the rest of society).
• Analysis and evaluation of the Functionalist perspective eg to what extent does adequate primary socialisation depend upon membership of a conventional family.
• Analysis and evaluation of labelling theory eg to what extent is an individual’s deviant behaviour influenced by the reactions of others.
• Analysis and evaluation of strain theory eg to what extent do the members of society share the same goals.
• Analysis and evaluation of the work of Cohen eg to what extent does membership of a particular subculture influence an individual’s deviant behaviour.
• Evidence based judgements and conclusions relating to the issue of extent (how far sociologists would agree) eg in the judgement of the student how far does the evidence support the premise of the question that inadequate socialisation is the main cause of criminal behaviour.