Postmodernist Explanations of Crime

• What do postmodernists consider crime and deviance to be?

  A social construct
• Why do postmodernists argue that there is no single explanation of crime?

  Due to the collapse of Meta-Narratives
• What do postmodernists believe about the concept of 'crime'?

  It is no longer a useful concept
• What do postmodernists say about community ties?

  They no longer exist
• How do postmodernists view traditional punishment methods?

  They are out of date
• What do postmodernists argue about social norms in society?

  They coexist in a diverse range
• From what perspective are laws made, according to postmodernists?

  From one particular cultural and social perspective
• What do postmodernists say about identity in society?

  It is no longer fixed
• How do people construct their identities in postmodern society?

  Through personal choice and consumption
• What role does the media play in identity construction?

  It shapes identity through product associations
• How can a person choose to have a deviant identity?

  By rejecting traditional behavior norms
• What do Henry and Milovanovic argue about crime?

  It causes social harm
• What are the two forms of social harm suggested by Henry and Milovanovic?

  Harms of reduction and harms of repression
• What is meant by harms of reduction?

  Immediate loss of possession or harm
• What is meant by harms of repression?

  Threats to future growth or development
• What do Levin and McDevitt suggest about hate crime perpetrators?

  They derive thrills from inflicting suffering
• Who argues that crime is an expression of masculinity?

  Messerschmidt
• What does Messerschmidt say about masculinity?

  It is a social construct or accomplishment
• What do men strive to achieve according to Messerschmidt?

  Hegemonic masculinity
• How does class affect the expression of masculinity in crime?

  Type of crime varies by class
• How do white middle-class youths express masculinity?

  By subordinating themselves to teachers
• How do white working-class youths express masculinity?

  Through oppositional behavior in school
• How do black lower working-class youths express masculinity?

  Through gang membership and violence
• What is a limitation of Messerschmidt's theory?

  It doesn't explain all men's behavior
• What do postmodernists suggest for reducing social harm?

  Implement various strategies for prevention
• What does Foucault refer to regarding crime reduction?

  Surveillance culture
• How does surveillance affect crime rates?

  It reduces crime by increasing risk of capture
• What is the Panopticon Prison an example of?

  Surveillance culture
• What are the strengths of postmodernism theory in explaining crime?

  • More realistic than other theories
  • Recognizes multiple causes of crime
  • Holistic explanation of crime
  • Practical applications in social control
  • Explains contemporary developments in crime
• What are the limitations of postmodernism theory in explaining crime?

  • Ignores existing power structures
  • Fails to explain why not all commit crimes
  • Overlooks selective law enforcement
• What should you include in a 10-mark question for postmodernism?

  Two hooks and supporting evidence
• How should you link points back to the question in a 10-mark answer?

  By providing clear connections