Question 1

According to Quinney, the social reality of crime theory is based on&#10;A) conflict in society.&#10;B) the reality of crime as a social problem.&#10;C) consensus about the nature of real crime.&#10;D) the need to control serious crime realistically.

Accepted Answer

Quinney's social reality of crime theory emphasizes that crime is a result of conflict in society, particularly focusing on how the social, economic, and political conditions influence the definition of crime and the criminal justice response.

Question 2

According to the social reality of crime theory, the official definition of crime is&#10;A) based on social consensus.&#10;B) a reflection of the realities of crime in the streets.&#10;C) inherently harmful to society.&#10;D) created by agents of the dominant class.

Accepted Answer

The social reality of crime theory posits that the definition of crime is constructed by those in power, specifically the dominant class, to maintain and enforce their own interests. This perspective suggests that what is considered criminal is not an inherent quality of an act but is defined by the social and political context, influenced by those who have the power to shape laws and norms.

Question 3

According to the social reality of crime theory, definitions of crime are A) based on a long standing legal tradition going back to the 18^th century. B) based on public opinion surveys and victimization surveys. C) composed of behaviors everyone would agree are harmful to society. D) composed of behaviors that conflict with interests of the dominant class.

Accepted Answer

The social reality of crime theory posits that definitions of crime are constructed through a process of social interaction that reflects the power dynamics within society. It suggests that what is considered a crime is determined by the interests of the dominant class, rather than an inherent quality of the behavior itself. This perspective emphasizes the role of power and inequality in shaping legal definitions of crime.

Question 4

According to the social reality of crime theory, definitions of crime are applied by&#10;A) authorities, who are fair to all, and only target conduct deemed criminal in nature.&#10;B) the class that has the power to shape the enforcement and administration of criminal law.&#10;C) the police and courts in response to the realities of crime.&#10;D) the administrative apparatus of the criminal justice system as an agent of the state.

Accepted Answer

The social reality of crime theory posits that definitions of crime are applied by those in power, typically the ruling class, who have the ability to influence the enforcement and administration of criminal law according to their interests.

Question 5

According to the social reality of crime theory, behavior patterns are structured in relation to definitions of crime and within this context&#10;A) personality factors will account for most criminal behavior.&#10;B) persons will likely join street gangs and commit crime.&#10;C) people will interact with others, learn attitudes and engage in actions likely to be defined as criminal.&#10;D) some people will become police officers and resist crime.

Accepted Answer

Social reality of crime theory suggests that crime is a social construct, and individuals learn and engage in behaviors through interactions with others that may be defined as criminal. This theory emphasizes the role of societal interactions and the learning of attitudes that contribute to criminal behavior, rather than personality factors, the inevitability of joining gangs, or the choice to become police officers as primary determinants.

Question 6

According to the social reality of crime theory, an ideology of crime is constructed&#10;A) and applied by the dominant class to secure its dominance.&#10;B) and applied by criminologists to help explain the causes of crime.&#10;C) by the criminal class to counter the moral standards of society.&#10;D) and supported by the motion picture industry and reflected in various films and movies.

Accepted Answer

The social reality of crime theory posits that the concept of crime is constructed and applied by the dominant class in society to maintain and secure its dominance. This involves defining what constitutes criminal behavior in a way that upholds the interests and power of the ruling class.

Question 7

Describe and explain the 5-6 major propositions Quinney outlines as the social reality theory of crime. What do you find useful or persuasive about this point of view? What do you find less accurate or useful about this perspective? Do you find this theory overall to be a good explanation of crime in our society-why or why not? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe and explain the 5-6 major propositions...

Question 8

Quinney's social reality theory of crime seems to make use of some basic assumptions of Becker's labeling theory. Discuss the points of agreement and any potential differences between Becker and Quinney's theories of deviance. Which position do you prefer-why? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Quinney's social reality theory of crime seems...

Question 9

Using Quinney discuss and provide an example to show how personal-action patterns develop in relation to definitions of crime. How, according to Quinney's social reality of crime theory, do the definers of crime impact the self-conceptions of those labeled as criminals?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Using Quinney discuss and provide an example...

Deck 5: Social Power: Conflict Theory of Crime