Crime, Deviance & Society - Short Answer Questions

Short Answer Question 2 - Implicit assumptions about crime

In this second short answer question you are asked to conduct a short interview with someone not in this unit to identify their views on crime and deviance.  

Step 1:  

Conduct an interview with someone not in the unit, ask some or all of the following questions: 

1. Why do you think people commit crimes? 
   
2. Do you think people choose to commit crime?
3. What, if anything, do you think might impact whether or not someone commits crime?
4. Did you know crime is often concentrated in poor neighbourhoods, why do you think that might be?
5. According to your personal experiences, do you think everyone in society has the same opportunities to achieve wealth and status?

Step 2:  

Using the responses you have gathered from your interviewee write a 500 word (+/- 10%) response to the following question.  

• What kinds of implicit theories about crime do everyday Australians hold? How do these compare to the explicit theories covered in the unit
• What are some implications or problems with these everyday assumptions about crime and deviance? 

Your short answer MUST: 

1. Make use of at least ONE core theoretical ideas from the essential readings from module 1 and 2. 
2. Make references to your interviewees answers, but not be a complete transcript of the interview. 
3. Include a reference list at the end of your answer.