AC 1.2 Explain the Social Construct of Criminology

• what is a social construction?


  something that has been defined by society, rather than occurring naturally
• what is the social construct of criminality?

  acts a society defines as criminal = definitions of criminality vary by place, culture or overtime.
• what law changes from culture to culture?

  Polygamy
• where is polygamy legal?

  India, Malaysia and Egypt.
• where is polygamy illegal?

  UK, Italy and France
• what is the reason the laws surrounding polygamy vary between cultures?

  religion
• how does religion result in polygamy being legal?

  In religious following countries like Egypt, their laws are based on religion and the bible, so it is permissible.
• how does religion result in polygamy being illegal?

  In countries such as the UK, they have become more secularized so laws are no longer based on religion so it is seen as socially unacceptable.
• what is adultery?


  a sexual act between two people of which at least one is married.
• where is adultery illegal?

  Philippines, Taiwan and 21 US states.
• where is adultery legal?

  UK, Spain and India
• Why does adultery laws vary between cultures?

  Different norms and values
• what norms and values do countries where adultery is illegal have?

  In countries such as Taiwan the value of commitment is seen as very high to the extent that people demand punishment is adultery is committed.
• what norms and values do countries where adultery is legal have?

  In countries like Spain, the value of commitment is lower, so adultery is legalized because it is not seen as severe enough to warrant a punishment.
• Where is homosexuality illegal?

  72 countries like Kenya and Pakistan. Egypt
• Where is homosexuality legal?

  UK, Canada and the US
• Why is homosexuality illegal in some countries?

  Due to public opinion, countries like Egypt show higher levels of support for bans on homosexuality (95%) perhaps due to religious influence.
• Why is homosexuality legal in some countries?

  In countries like Canada, public opinion is positive surrounding diversity and personal liberties and there is a shared view on equality between all sexualities.
• what are the different charges associated with cannabis?

  -possession

  -distribution, selling, growing
• Where is the possession of cannabis illegal?

  UK, Spain, France
• Where is possession of cannabis legal?

  Uruguay, Canada and Thailand
• Why is cannabis illegal in some countries and not others?


  Different ideas about how best to control drug use
• Why is cannabis illegal in some countries?

  In countries like the UK, lawmakers think the best way to prevent drugs causing harm is to take a tougher stance to deter their use.
• Why is cannabis legal in some countries?

  In countries like Portugal, they see decriminalization as a way to take cannabis out of the hands of criminals and reduce harm
• what are the arguments for legalization of cannabis?

  -People know what's in the product

  -Less crime so reduces prison overcrowding.
• What are the arguments against the legalization on cannabis?

  -Increased risk of health problems

  -lead more people to become addicted to it
• What were the laws surrounding homosexuality like in the past?

  Used to be illegal until the 1967 sexual offences act which decriminalized it between two males 21+ in private.
• What did the Wolfenden Report suggest?


  1957- recommendation made to parliament to decriminalize homosexuality.
• What campaigns helped decriminalized homosexuality?

  Stonewall, campaigns for the equality of LGBTQ+ people across Britain.
• What politicians supported homosexuality campaigns?

  Roy Jenkins
• What did the law surrounding drugs in Portugal used to be?

  until 1975 - dictatorship, extreme harsh laws surrounding drugs
• What were laws surrounding drugs like in Portugal like after 1975?

  influx of drug use. Portugal had the highest rates of heroin addiction in Europe.
• Why were drug laws decriminalized in Portugal?

  2001 - drug use should be treated as a public health issue were users are referred to support services. Death from drug use in now the lowest in Europe.
• What were gun laws like in the UK in the past?

  possession of guns used to be legal and became illegal in 1997.
• Why did gun laws change in the UK?

  -two mass shootings

  -1987= 16 people killed in Berkshire

  -Dunblane massacre - 17 people killed at a primary school by Thomas Hamilton.
• What changes did the Dunblane Massacre lead to?

  -All hand guns and fire arms banned

  -anyone owning a shooting gun has to undergo a mental health assessment.
• Why did the Dunblane massacre lead to changes in the law?

  - public outcry

  -campaigns e.g. The Gun Control Network Campaign.
• How did laws relating to children used to be?

  No distinction form who was classed a a child or an adult. Children put to work and could face same punishments as adults.
• Why have laws relating to children changed?

  -most societies have become child centred so now childhood id the main priority and society is built around the needs of childhood.
• What laws have been introduced relating to children?

  -Compulsory schooling (1880) between the ages of 5 and 10

  -The Children and Young Persons Act 1933 = forbids children under 13 from working.