Patterns of the social distribution of crime and deviance – A Level Sociology Eduqas Revision

Social Class and Crime

Lower socio-economic groups have a higher incidence of criminality.
The link between class and crime potentially stems from the stress and strain of deprivation, leading to criminal behaviour.
White collar crimes, predominantly committed by those in higher social classes, are often under-reported and under-punished.
Studies conducted by Pearce and Tombs found that corporate crimes significantly harm the society and the economy, but they are often obscured or overlooked.

Age and Crime

Younger individuals, particularly between the ages of 15 and 21, typically commit more crimes.
Factors such as impulsivity, lack of foresight and susceptibility to peer pressure can contribute to the youth crime rate.
Alternatively, older criminal activities focus more on white-collar crimes and cybercrimes.
Research by Moffitt suggests there is a link between adolescence-limited offenders and life-course-persistent offenders, which might explain the pattern of criminality across age groups.

Ethnicity and Crime

Statistical data suggests ethnic disparities in crime rates.
However, the accuracy of this data must be scrutinised due to the potential issue of differential policing against specific ethnic minorities.
Macpherson’s report revealed institutional racism within the police force, leading to a disproportionate rate of stop and searches against black and minority ethnic groups.
Rex’s study also highlights the association between ethnicity, social deprivation and crime.

Gender and Crime

Males are more likely than females to commit crimes, particularly violent crimes.
Traditional gender roles and norms may contribute to this pattern.
Feminist Criminology suggests that traditional law enforcement had a “malestream” bias, which stereotypes women as less likely to commit serious criminal offences.
Studies by Heidensohn and Silvestri discussed the concept of double deviance – women are judged not only for their crimes, but also for breaking expected gender norms.

Geographical Location and Crime

Crime rates vary from rural to urban areas with urban areas generally experiencing higher crime rates.
The concentration of poverty, unemployment, and social deprivation in urban areas might contribute to higher crime rates.
Rural crime is often hidden, underreported, or considered less serious.
Research by Gilling and Neville highlights that ‘rural idyll’ is a myth and the fact that rural crime is both a social and a policing problem needs recognition.

Education and Crime

Having lower levels of education can correlate with higher crime rates, particularly in young people.
School exclusion can potentially increase criminal behaviour and perpetuate a cycle of deprivation and crime.
Willis’ study on ‘lads’ showed how a counter-school culture can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure.
Bowles and Gintis’ theory of the hidden curriculum suggests that the education system perpetuates social class disparities, which can subsequently influence crime rates.