Theories of crime and deviance (functionalist, Marxist, interactionist, control)

AQA

GCSE

Candidates must analyze sociological explanations of crime and deviance, distinguishing between structural, subcultural, and interactionist approaches. The study necessitates a critical evaluation of Functionalist consensus narratives (Durkheim, Merton) against Marxist conflict theories (Gordon, Snider) and Interactionist micro-sociology (Becker, Lemert). Proficiency requires assessing the utility of these theories in explaining contemporary crime trends, class disparities, and the social construction of official statistics (AO1/AO2), while evaluating their deterministic or voluntaristic nature (AO3).

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award marks for precise use of sociological terminology (e.g., 'status frustration', 'chivalry thesis', 'deviancy amplification spiral').
Credit responses that explicitly link theoretical concepts to the provided Item (e.g., 'As mentioned in Item A, the media reinforces...').
Candidates must evaluate theoretical claims, not just describe them (e.g., contrasting Functionalist consensus with Marxist conflict).
Differentiation is achieved through the application of specific theorists (e.g., Merton, Becker, Heidensohn, Carlen) rather than generic statements.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award marks for precise use of sociological terminology (e.g., 'status frustration', 'chivalry thesis', 'deviancy amplification spiral').
Credit responses that explicitly link theoretical concepts to the provided Item (e.g., 'As mentioned in Item A, the media reinforces...').
Candidates must evaluate theoretical claims, not just describe them (e.g., contrasting Functionalist consensus with Marxist conflict).
Differentiation is achieved through the application of specific theorists (e.g., Merton, Becker, Heidensohn, Carlen) rather than generic statements.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡In 'Discuss' questions, ensure every paragraph follows the PEEL structure: Point (Theory), Evidence (Theorist/Concept), Explanation, Link (Evaluation/Critique).
💡Always mine the 'Item' for two distinct hooks before starting your answer; reference these explicitly to secure AO2 marks.
💡Do not spend time defining basic terms in 12-mark essays; move immediately to the theoretical argument.
💡Use 'However' chains to develop AO3 analysis—counter a Functionalist point with a Marxist critique, then refine with a Realist perspective.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing 'crime' (legal violation) with 'deviance' (norm violation) without acknowledging the overlap.
Attributing Merton's Strain Theory to Marxism instead of Functionalism.
Providing 'common sense' reasons for crime (e.g., 'greed' or 'bad upbringing') instead of sociological explanations (e.g., 'relative deprivation' or 'inadequate socialisation').
Failing to critique the theory in 12-mark questions (e.g., describing Labelling Theory without noting it ignores the victim).

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Identify

Describe

Explain

Discuss

Discuss how far

Examine

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic