Discuss Becker's Fourfold Model of Labeling as presented in the text. Explain why you agree or disagree with Becker's theory
What will be an ideal response?
• Youth who engage in delinquency and also get caught and labeled are called pure deviants.
• Conformists are both rule-abiding and free of negative labels.
• Some youth are falsely accused or blamed for something they did not do, while others who continually break rules are able to avoid labeling; these are called secret deviants.
• Pure deviants are the youths most likely to repeat their antisocial activities, while conformists are the ones most likely to stay straight and never engage in antisocial behaviors.
• If labeling theory is valid, then the falsely accused will be more likely to become secondary deviants (i.e., chronic offenders) than the secret deviants.
• While the latter may be more troubled, because they have escaped the labeling process they are not affected by negative stigma.
• According to social reaction theory, negative labels, even false ones, are the critical element that create secondary deviance and result in a delinquent career.
• Student views will vary.
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One of the problems with classical conditioning explanations of criminal behavior is that they ________.
a. have not been empirically supported b. do not account for situational factors c. presume the person has no self-determination d. do not consider biological factors e. assume the individual is innately aggressive
Felonies, unless otherwise specifically stated in CCP, have what limitations?
a. None b. 10 years c. 7 years d. 5 years e. 3 years
Which of the following statements is TRUE of police attitudes toward youth crimes?
A) Police officers have no reluctance when it comes to juvenile engagements. B) Police must always defend the authority of their position. C) Because there is no danger in police-youth encounters, police can be less guarded. D) Overall, the police have a more negative view toward youthful offenders today than in the past.
Which is the best definition of a Marxist theory?
a. Criminal behavior is learned via interaction with others b. People freely choose to commit crime based on self interest c. Crime stems from community characteristics such as poverty d. Gangs are products of social inequality brought on by capitalism