Social Factors Influencing Crime: Explore the Impact of Social Determinants

Question 1

How does intersectionality theory help us understand the ways in which race, gender, and class interact to shape experiences of crime and victimization?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality theory can help us understand how race, gender, and class intersect to create unique experiences of crime and victimization.

Answer

Intersectionality theory suggests that all members of a particular group have the same experiences.

Answer

Intersectionality theory is not useful for understanding crime and victimization.

Answer

Intersectionality theory only applies to experiences of crime and victimization for women.

Question 2

How does social disorganization contribute to the rise of criminal subcultures?

Accepted Answer

Social disorganization weakens social control and cohesion, creating an environment where criminal subcultures can thrive.

Answer

Criminal subcultures are inherently disorganized and chaotic.

Answer

Social disorganization primarily affects young people who are already prone to crime.

Answer

Criminal subcultures are solely a result of individual deviance.

Question 3

Which sociological theory argues that crime is caused by a discrepancy between socially desired goals and the legitimate means available to achieve them?

Accepted Answer

Strain Theory

Answer

Social Control Theory

Answer

Labeling Theory

Question 4

Which sociological theory focuses on the relationship between social factors and crime rates?

Accepted Answer

Ecological Theory

Answer

Biological Theory

Answer

Psychological Theory

Answer

Conflict Theory

Question 5

According to the strain theory of crime and deviance, what is the main cause of criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Disparity between societal goals and legitimate means to achieve them

Answer

Lack of parental supervision

Answer

Mental illness

Question 6

Which subculture theory emphasizes the role of working-class values and norms in shaping criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Cohen's Delinquent Boys Theory

Answer

Merton's Strain Theory

Answer

Sutherland's Differential Association Theory

Question 7

Which research method is most commonly used to study the relationship between social factors and crime?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative methods (e.g., surveys, official crime statistics)

Answer

Ethnography

Answer

Case studies

Question 8

What is a potential limitation of using official crime statistics to study the relationship between social factors and crime?

Accepted Answer

They may not accurately reflect the genuine extent of crime in society.

Answer

They are easily accessible and widely available.

Answer

They provide detailed data about individual offenders.

Question 9

Which social policy aims to reduce the impact of social factors on crime?

Accepted Answer

Early childhood education programs

Answer

Increased prison sentences

Answer

Mandatory drug testing

Question 10

How does social disorganization theory explain the relationship between social factors and crime?

Accepted Answer

Neighborhoods with high levels of social disorganization (e.g., poverty, residential instability) experience higher crime rates.

Answer

Individuals who experience social isolation are more likely to engage in criminal behavior.

Question 11

What is a criticism of labeling theory?

Accepted Answer

It may overemphasize the impact of societal reactions in shaping criminal behavior and neglect individual agency.

Answer

It provides a comprehensive explanation for all types of crime.

Question 12

Explain how the concept of 'social control' relates to the study of social factors and crime.

Accepted Answer

It refers to the mechanisms in society that deter or discourage criminal behavior.

Answer

It is only applicable to the study of juvenile delinquency.

Answer

It is synonymous with social disorganization.

Question 13

What is a fundamental principle of conflict theory?

Accepted Answer

Crime is a result of social inequality and the competition for power and resources.

Answer

Society is inherently harmonious, and crime is a minor anomaly.

Answer

Criminal behavior is primarily caused by psychological factors.

Question 14

According to the theory of anomie, which of the following is a major contributing factor to crime?

Accepted Answer

Strain between cultural goals and legitimate means to achieve them

Answer

Lack of social support

Answer

Negative peer influence

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a structural inequality that can contribute to crime?

Accepted Answer

Discrimination in housing and employment

Answer

Addiction

Answer

Domestic violence

Question 16

How does social disorganization contribute to crime rates?

Accepted Answer

It weakens social bonds and community control, creating an environment conducive to criminal activity.

Answer

It encourages community involvement and collective action against crime.

Answer

It leads to an increase in police presence and surveillance.

Question 17

How do social factors interact with psychological factors in influencing criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social factors can create conditions that heighten psychological distress and mental health issues, increasing the likelihood of criminal behavior.

Answer

Social factors directly determine psychological factors, making individual agency irrelevant in criminal behavior.

Answer

Social factors have no impact on psychological factors related to criminal behavior.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a government policy aimed at reducing social factors that contribute to crime?

Accepted Answer

Investing in early childhood education and support programs

Answer

Increasing prison sentences for non-violent offenses

Answer

Reducing welfare benefits for低收入人群

Question 19

How can social factors be used to predict individual risk of criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Through statistical analysis that identifies patterns and correlations between social characteristics and criminal activity.

Answer

Using intuition and personal experiences to make predictions

Answer

Relying solely on physical characteristics, such as race or gender, to determine risk

Question 20

Which of the following is a key ethical consideration when using social factors to explain crime?

Accepted Answer

Balancing the need for crime prevention with the importance of protecting civil liberties and avoiding discrimination.

Answer

Prioritizing the rights of victims of crime over the rights of individuals being studied in research

Answer

Ensuring that all social factor explanations are backed by empirical evidence

Question 21

How does the labeling theory view the relationship between social factors and criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

It suggests that negative labeling and stigmatization from society can contribute to self-fulfilling prophecies and increased criminal behavior.

Answer

It denies the role of social factors in criminal behavior, focusing solely on individual choices and motivations.

Answer

It overemphasizes the impact of social factors, ignoring the importance of psychological factors and personal responsibility.

Question 22

Which sociological perspective explains crime as a result of weak social bonds and a lack of control in disadvantaged areas?

Accepted Answer

Social Disorganization Theory

Answer

Labeling Theory

Answer

Rational Choice Theory

Answer

Strain Theory

Question 23

According to Merton's Strain Theory, crime is more likely when there's a gap between:

Accepted Answer

Societal goals and legitimate ways to achieve them

Answer

Effective law enforcement and social control

Answer

Strong social bonds and community integration

Question 24

Which of these is a social factor linked to higher crime rates?

Accepted Answer

High levels of income inequality

Answer

Stricter sentencing guidelines for criminal offenses

Answer

Improved access to education and job training

Answer

Increased police presence in high-crime areas

Question 25

Labeling theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Society's reactions to deviance can lead to further criminal behavior

Answer

Individuals are inherently predisposed to criminal behavior

Answer

Crime is a rational choice based on weighing costs and benefits

Question 26

How can a lack of educational opportunities contribute to criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

It limits access to good jobs, potentially pushing people towards illegal ways to make money

Answer

It strengthens individuals' moral compass and discourages criminal activity

Answer

It strengthens social bonds and reduces the likelihood of criminal involvement

Question 27

Which of these is NOT typically considered a social factor that contributes to crime?

Accepted Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Unemployment

Answer

Poverty

Answer

Social exclusion

Question 28

Relative deprivation refers to:

Accepted Answer

Feeling less well-off compared to others, even if basic needs are met

Answer

Social disorganization and lack of community cohesion

Answer

Absolute poverty and lack of basic necessities

Question 29

Which of these is a social policy that might aim to reduce crime by addressing social factors?

Accepted Answer

Providing job training and employment opportunities in disadvantaged communities

Answer

Expanding surveillance and police presence in high-crime areas

Answer

Increasing prison sentences for all criminal offenses

Question 30

The concept of 'social capital' is most closely linked to which factor influencing crime?

Accepted Answer

Social cohesion and trust within communities

Answer

Individual psychological traits

Answer

Biological factors and genetic predispositions

Answer

The availability of legitimate opportunities

Question 31

How might exposure to high levels of violence in a community impact individuals?

Accepted Answer

It can make individuals less sensitive to violence and make criminal behavior seem normal

Answer

It encourages individuals to seek out legal means of conflict resolution

Answer

It strengthens social bonds and promotes a sense of community safety

Question 32

Which of the following is a social factor that can contribute to criminal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Poverty

Answer

Personal beliefs

Answer

Physical environment

Answer

Genetics

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a type of social inequality that has been consistently linked to higher crime rates?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Education

Answer

Income

Answer

Race

Question 34

According to social disorganization theory, which of the following contributes to weakened social control and an increased likelihood of crime?

Accepted Answer

High residential instability

Answer

Strong family bonds

Answer

High levels of trust within a community

Answer

Strong community involvement

Question 35

Which of the following is a major criticism of the culture of poverty theory?

Accepted Answer

It tends to blame individuals for their poverty, rather than considering systemic factors.

Answer

It provides effective strategies for addressing poverty.

Answer

It takes into account the role of structural factors.

Answer

It is based on solid empirical evidence.

Question 36

What is the concept of relative deprivation?

Accepted Answer

The feeling of being disadvantaged compared to others in society, even if one's own circumstances are not objectively poor.

Answer

Experiencing absolute poverty

Answer

Having a high level of material wealth

Question 37

Which of the following is considered a risk factor for youth offending?

Accepted Answer

Growing up in a low-income family with limited opportunities

Answer

Attending a private school

Answer

Having supportive parents and a strong family structure

Answer

Participating in extracurricular activities

Question 38

What is a key role of social policy in addressing crime?

Accepted Answer

Reducing social inequality and providing opportunities for all, particularly those in disadvantaged communities.

Answer

Increasing police presence and surveillance.

Answer

Enacting stricter punishments for offenders.

Question 39

Which of the following is a limitation of using official crime statistics to understand the relationship between social factors and crime?

Accepted Answer

They may not accurately reflect the true extent of crime, as they only capture reported incidents.

Answer

They provide a comprehensive overview of crime patterns.

Answer

They are based on objective data.

Question 40

What is a central argument of left-realist criminology?

Accepted Answer

Crime is often a rational response to social problems and inequalities, particularly for those marginalized by society.

Answer

Crime is caused by individual moral failings.

Answer

Crime is the result of social disorganization.

Question 41

According to sociological research, which of the following social factors is most directly linked to an increase in property crime rates?

Accepted Answer

High levels of unemployment and poverty, which create economic desperation and limited opportunities.

Answer

Stricter law enforcement policies

Answer

Increased media coverage of crime

Answer

A rise in the population of young adults

Question 42

The concept of 'relative deprivation' suggests that crime is more likely to occur when:

Accepted Answer

Individuals perceive a gap between their aspirations and their actual circumstances

Answer

Individuals lack access to basic necessities like food and shelter

Answer

Individuals are exposed to high levels of violence and aggression in their environment

Question 43

Which of the following is an example of how social inequality can contribute to crime?

Accepted Answer

Limited access to quality education and employment opportunities for marginalized groups

Answer

Stronger social cohesion and support networks

Answer

Increased investment in community policing initiatives

Question 44

The 'broken windows' theory suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Visible signs of disorder and crime can encourage further criminal activity

Answer

Increased police presence is the most effective way to deter crime

Answer

Social inequality is the root cause of most criminal behavior

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT a social factor that can contribute to the development of deviant subcultures?

Accepted Answer

Strong social cohesion and community support

Answer

Lack of legitimate opportunities for success

Answer

Social isolation and marginalization

Answer

Exposure to criminal role models and behaviors

Question 46

How can social factors contribute to the 'labelling' of individuals as criminals?

Accepted Answer

Prejudice and discrimination based on factors like race, class, or gender

Answer

Stricter punishment for criminal offenses

Answer

Effective rehabilitation programs for offenders

Question 47

The concept of 'strain theory' suggests that crime occurs when:

Accepted Answer

Individuals are unable to achieve socially approved goals through legitimate means

Answer

Individuals have a strong moral compass

Answer

Individuals are exposed to excessive media violence

Question 48

Which of the following is an example of a social policy aimed at reducing crime by addressing social factors?

Accepted Answer

Investing in programs to reduce poverty and inequality

Answer

Enacting harsher penalties for criminal offenses

Answer

Increasing police patrols in high-crime areas

Question 49

What is a potential limitation of focusing solely on social factors as explanations for crime?

Accepted Answer

It may overlook the role of individual factors and choices in criminal behavior

Answer

It overemphasizes the role of the media in shaping perceptions of crime

Answer

It ignores the importance of law enforcement in deterring criminal activity

Question 50

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'opportunity structure' in relation to crime?

Accepted Answer

The availability of illegal means to achieve wealth and status in a deprived neighborhood

Answer

The presence of strong community support networks

Answer

The effectiveness of police interventions in preventing crime