Sociology Unit 4 - Crime - 19th June 2012 - Notes - Disscussion and more

For 15 Mark question on research and methods. Ive got one on strengths and limitations of using observation to research street crime. You need to talk about pratical, ethical and theories. (PET)

Firstly, the street is a public space, so there are no gatekeepers restriciting the sociologists access. However, those involved in street crime are often aware of what is going on on their 'turf', so having an observer there will make them suspicious. However, the observer can overcome this if they have 'insider contacts'

Unlike many offenders involved in street crime, sociologists are often middle class and older, so they find it difficult to disguise and blend in, which can cause problems.

Street crime includes theft and violence, such as, 'mugging' and drug dealing. The observer will face the dilemma observing people being victimised without intervening or informing the police, which is an ethical problem. If the observer was to report them, then the research would be effected. Although, by not intervening, the research will bring e they are involved with crimes. If the police are informed of what the researcher is doing then they may be worried for their safety, and interfere.

Theory--> Venkatesh and Patrick: researched gangs and found there was a large element of danger for them. By misleading the members of the gang there is a risk of them getting hurt if identity is uncovered.

has anyone got an essay on green crime cause my teacher said its likely to come up

I have an outline of the structure for the green crime essay?


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

would i be able to see this pleaseeeee?

I still haven't finished all the content!

The layout is the same except there is now no 12 mark essay, instead there are two 21 markers on c&d and no define questions such as those 2 markers that used to be in there..

So, it is
21 marks - c&d
21 marks - c&d
15 marks - methods in context
33 marks - theory or methods

Thank you so much!!

Theory OR methods? Sorry if I'm being thick but what would the methods one be along the lines of? and the theory? again, rubbish teachers ergh

Research methods relating to crime, usually strengths and weaknesses.
Theory would be overall Functionalist, Marxist, Feminist, Social Action, Globalisation and postmodernity, Objectivity and values in sociology, sociology and science, sociology and social policy

Hey guys I was just wondering if anybody has any predictions for sociology unit 3 ... I have like 2 days to do revision for unit 3 coz of psychology revision and for unit 4... I have 2 days next week too.. I'm totally doomed but hopefully I have faith in miracles !

What topic are you doing?

Can someone please explain to me Durkheim seeing suicide as social facts? I'm re-reading it in my book but I can't understand it! What are social facts?!

Is there anybody doing sociology unit 3 beliefs in society who can help me... I'm doing revision in 2 days and I was wondering I anybody has predictions?
Please, somebody help mee ;( :0 !!!

I reckon the 21 marks are either going to be on:

Merton's strain theory
Realist theories
Control, punishment and victims (in particular punishment as it has never been asked before)
Suicide
Ethnicity, crime and justice

33 marker:

Social policy (I can 100% put my money on that)
Marxism
Action theories
Globalisation, postmodernity etc (It's 50/50 on this)
(Maybe...Sociology and science?) not to sure because my teacher reckons it has come up too much..

15 marker (method in context)

I have this weird feeling about experiments!
Maybe official statistics or documents

(Remember everyone....secondary sources have never ever come up) so just bear this is mind