Exam 1 Study Guide - Laurie Woods PDF

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Laurie Woods...

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This exam covers the following material: Chokehold Social Perspectives Text, Chapters 1, 2, 3, 8, 11 Debates:  Police  Immigration Readings:  Media images and the social construction of reality  Media coverage of courts  Media coverage of lawmaking and crime  Media coverage of policing 1. Be able to describe/define a social problem  Social problem--a social condition, event, or pattern of behavior that negatively affects the wellbeing of a significant number of people who believe that the condition, event, or pattern needs to be changed or ameliorated  Objective aspect of social problems--empirical conditions or facts that point to the concreteness of social problems  Subjective aspect of social problems--the process by which people define social problems  Social constructionism--the social process by which people define a social problem into existence  Social movements--collective efforts of people to realize social change in order to solve social problems 2. Have a clear understanding of the three sociological perspectives and how they might apply to any concept covered  Functionalism--the sociological theory that considers how various sociological phenomena function/work in a positive way to maintain unity and order in society (says that everything in society works together and that society functions well when every piece works correctly)  Conflict theory--sociological perspective that focuses on dissent, coercion, and antagonism in society (looks at who has something and who doesn't)  Symbolic interactionism--sociological perspective that sees society as a product of symbols given meaning by people in their interactions with each other (says that everything we do with others is an exchange of symbols; we attach meaning to everything [looking-glass self--"I am who I think you think I am"])  Applied to media:  Functionalism--media functions as alarm, calling attention to pressing social problems (BUT alarm can be dysfunctional when it goes off selectively)  Conflict theory--identifies media as a contested arena, where powerful actors seek to promote their definitions of social problems (who owns and controls the media?)  Symbolic interactionism--examines how media workers define social problems; also look at the way people interact with and interpret media representations of social problems  Constructionist approach--highlights the process by which social issues become recognized as social problems (how are some issues selected from a vast pool of candidate issues to become social problems?)

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Applied to race:  Conflict theory--conflict and tension between groups (majority and minority)  Functionalism--maintenance of stability in society (functions of race and racism)  Symbolic interactionism--social construction of race and negotiation; identity Applied to poverty:  Functionalism  Some positions in a society are more specialized and valuable; only a few have the talent for more important positions (learning those skills requires sacrifices, so we must compensate with resources and rewards)  Social inequality is inevitable and functional (uses of poverty, Gans)  But functions of poverty can be both economically and morally costly  Symbolic interactionism--Oscar Lewis, culture of poverty thesis--the poor hold a unique set of values/beliefs that makes it hard for them to escape poverty (sense of powerlessness, feelings of inferiority, lack of work ethic, etc.)  Conflict theory--groups have different interests that come into conflict with one another; poverty is systematic; workers are alienated (Marx) Applied to crime:  Structural functionalism  Strain theory--a theory of crime that posits that individuals commit crimes because of the strains caused by the imbalance of socially accepted goals and the individual's inadequate means to achieve those goals  Social control theory--assumes that all people are capable of committing crimes and that some are stopped by their strong bonds to society  Social disorganization theory--links crime rates to neighborhood ecological characteristics: poverty, residential mobility, and racial heterogeneity  Symbolic interactionism  Differential association theory--asserts that all behavior is learned, both criminal and noncriminal  Labeling theories--emphasize how the application of sanctions can lead to a deviant stigma applied by others, which in turn affects one's identity and subsequent delinquency  Primary deviance--in societal relation theory, refers to individuals' engagement in low-level offending, like speeding or experimenting with alcohol  Secondary deviance--in societal relation theory, refers to individuals' engagement in more serious crime after they have been labeled and treated as criminals  Conflict Theory  Marxist criminology--based on the writings of Marx, sees the law as a mechanism by which the ruling class keeps the members of the surplus population in their disadvantaged position  Bourgeoisie--wealthy class that owns and controls the means of production and is at odds with the lower class  Bourgeoisie legality--the theory that members of the upper class make the laws to serve and protect their own interests to the detriment of the lower class  Proletariat--working class, at odds with bourgeoisie  Feminist criminology--theory of crime that includes gender in its analysis

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Paternalism--the system, principle, or practice of managing or governing individuals in the manner of a father dealing with his children Be able to explain the steps in sociological research, as well as some of the methods  Steps in sociological research:  Identify issue/question  Hypothesis  Literature review  How to do it/methods  Interview--build rapport, but time-consuming  Focus groups--expensive and time-consuming  Survey--multiple ways to administer; response bias is issue  Participant observation  Secondary data--outside data sets/trends/surveys  Do it  Analyze it Be able to discuss some potential problems with research  Response bias; costliness; time constraints; etc. What are Gans’ uses of poverty? How might another perspective view his examples?  Uses of poverty (Gans):  Poverty ensures that society's dirty work will get done  The poor subsidize economic activities that benefit the wealthy (ex. maids paid to free up wealthy individuals to do other "wealthy" activities)  Poverty creates jobs for occupations that service the poor (ex. social workers, pawn shops, prison workers, etc.)  The poor buy goods that others do not want (ex. thrift shops, used cars, etc.)  The poor can be identified and punished as deviants  The poor offer vicarious participation in deviant behaviors (ex. prostitution, etc.)  The poor are a source of cultural artifacts (ex. folk art)  Poverty helps to guarantee the status of those who are not poor  The poor aid the upward mobility of those just above them  The poor help to keep the aristocracy busy (ex. charity)  The poor absorb the cost of progress  The poor facilitate and stabilize the American political process Be able to discuss the poverty line  Defining poverty:  Absolute measure--based on a threshold, usually annual income [poverty line]  Relative measure--compares a person or group to the rest of the community/society  Poverty threshold--Census Bureau considers age, family size, and number of dependent children  Molly Orshansky came up with in 1964  If below threshold, qualify for benefits (if above, even barely, no qualification) Why is there such an income disparity in the US, and why is it only getting worse?  Income--earnings, unemployment payments, social security, interest/dividends, rental income  Wealth--family/household's net worth (investments, property, savings)  Share of wealth (top 3% have majority)  **ex. richest families in America  Extreme poverty neighborhoods (example of disparity and perpetuation)

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Areas with poverty rates of 40% or more; often have higher crime, poor health outcomes, fewer education and job opportunities  Social mobility (example of disparity and perpetuation)--upward or downward movement in social position over time in a society; **Americans substantially and consistently overestimate income mobility and educational access (cycle)  Inequality--the fact that some in a society have more than others; inequality is increasing globally  **gap is greater in the US than in nearly all other industrialized societies Be able to explain the relationship between poverty and…health, education, age, gender, environment  Health--poorer health outcomes  Education--less access  Age  Gender--intersectionality (women more likely to be in poverty, especially single mothers)  Environment--more pollution (leads to worse health outcomes) Be able to explain the two media effects as discussed in class  Agenda setting--when the mass media pay attention to particular events or issues, they determine/set the agenda for the major topics of discussion for individuals or society; they don't tell us what to think, but they tell us what to think about  Ex. nationwide poll in 1986 asking about America's biggest problem (2% say drugs); in June, famous college basketball player dies from cocaine overdose; same poll in September (drugs now considered #1 problem)  Cultivation--heavy viewing of TV leads individuals to perceive reality in ways that are consistent with the portrayals they see on TV. The more time an audience spends watching TV, the more likely the audience's views will be "cultivated" by the images and portrayals seen on TV  "mean world" syndrome--George Gerbner says that viewers with heavy, long-term exposure to TV are more likely to see that world as a mean and dangerous place How do mass media shape our views of crimes committed by the poor (also nonwhite) compared to crime committed by the wealthy?  Ignoring corporate and white collar crime:  According to experts, corporate crime not only causes more financial losses each year compared to street crime, but also injures and kills more people annually than street crime; Americans do not know this largely due to media coverage of violence  Illegal immigrant crime What is framing and why does it matter?  Media frame--the way that media defines a social problem  Sponsor activities--advocacy and promotional work of publicizing and advancing a specific interpretation of an issue  Framing--when you only see or hear part of a story, you form an opinion based on how the event is "framed" for you  Ex. photograph from protest (different message depending on the angle) What are TV ratings and why are they done?  Neilson does TV ratings four times a year; the results of the rating produce what is called the "ratings book"  Purpose:  There is only one reason for ratings: to set advertising rates; the more people watch a particular show, the more the networks/TV stations can charge for advertising

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It has been said that television programming is nothing more than what "fills in between the commercials"  Essentially, ratings are only about setting advertising rates (so what is the purpose of advertising?)  To turn something you want into something you need What is race? What is ethnicity?  Race--a socially defined category, based on perceived biological differences between groups of people  Note: "the outward signs on which most definitions of race are based--such as skin color and hair texture--are dictated by a handful of genes. But the other genes of two people of the same "race" can be very different. Conversely, two people of different "races" can share more genetic similarity than two individuals of the same race"  Ethnicity--ethnicity is also a socially defined category based on common language, religion, nationality, history, or another cultural factor  Racial stratification--structure and process by which race and ethnicity determine life chances, opportunities, and access to resources  Racial draft (Elian Gonzalez)--society tries to put individuals into one category  Minority--group systematically denied same access to power and resources available to dominant group (note: not necessarily fewer in number]  Majority--holds greater power and prestige  Stereotypes--images about a group that are often erroneous; behaviors or tendencies attributed to an entire group  Prejudice--belief/feeling about an entire group  Discrimination--unequal treatment based on membership in a group; puts prejudice into action Understand how the idea of race in the U.S. was constructed (from class discussion)  Stereotypes--images about a group that are often erroneous; behaviors or tendencies attributed to an entire group  Prejudice--belief/feeling about an entire group  Creation of subordinate group status  Migration--a movement of people from one place to another  Annexation--incorporation of one territory into another  Colonialism--imposition of control over a weak nation by a more powerful nation  Types of minorities:  Assimilationist  Pluralistic  Secessionist  militant Know what we mean by color blind racism and the invisible male  Color blind racism--disregard of racial characteristics (less blatant)  Ex. "I don't see color"  Invisible male--default position; white male [assumption] Why is the “color of crime” so distorted?  Black:  The media is generally most focused on the acts of racial minorities, especially black (why?)  Americans are being exposed to images, stories, and representation that enhances the myth of criminality; this myth is spread in print and visual media

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White:  Overrepresented as victims and police officers; fits well with the popular concept of whites as innocent  Whites are shown in the media as the best-educated, most effective, most law-abiding members of society; they are also seen in positions of authority  Illegal immigrant crime  Racial hoax--occurs when someone invents a crime and blames on a member of another race (Susan Smith); or when an actual victim blames victimization on person of another race  Juvenile "super-predators"  Ex. law than 1 ounce of crack cocaine and 100 ounces of powder cocaine get the same sentence in court  Ex. Black Panthers vs. Weather Underground  Bias in sentencing:  Black defendants with all white juries  Ex. 100: 1 crack: cocaine laws  People of color and longer sentencing 15. What are the various media-related reasons that we think there is more crime than actually occurs?  Media (Reading) Slides:  Amount of coverage not connected to crime rate  Journalists; professional routines are key to understanding high level crime/drug coverage  Moral panic--occurs when fear about a social problem is disproportionate to the danger  Media either: promote the panic or serve as a channel for stories that fuel the panic  Media exaggeration contributes to moral panic when:  Journalists pay more attention to events that are uncommon or statistically unusual; journalists overstate the extent/size of a social problem (such as crime)  Media Slides:  Columbine--nearly everyone remembers because it was in the news for months; labeled as "worst school killing in history" (even though untrue)  Media Coverage of Crime Slides:  Acontextual--fails to provide consumers with an accurate understanding of how uncommon criminal victimization is  Focus on violence in the media ("if it bleeds, it leads")  How does this affect the minds of consumers:  Media coverage of crime gives us the impression that it is rampant (even though it is safer today than ever before)  The chicken little phenomenon--when news broadcasts cover violence without providing any context, it leaves viewers with no real sense of their relative risk of violent crime victimization  Substitution thesis--heavy exposure to media portrayals of crime has particularly strong effects on those with no direct experience of crime; for these individuals, media images of crime become a surrogate for real world experience  Resonance thesis--when media images are consistent with lived experience, media and experience mutually reinforce fear

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Cultivation theory--the more time people spend "living" in the TV world, the more likely they are to believe social reality portrayed on TV  Juvenile "super-predators"  Television news:  What makes good news? Pictures  What makes good pictures? Crime (first thing you see on the news to grab attention) 16. You will need to have a general understand of the above readings. Questions on the readings will not include specifics such as dates or numbers, but will deal with overall themes 17. There were be questions from Chokehold  Construction of the thug (message in music; media; irrational discrimination; etc.]  More black cops shoot people than white cops  Stop and frisk  Blacks get longer sentences than whites for similar and even identical crimes (Butler)  Black on black crime  Black women and intersectionality  System as a whole is flawed (more about "legal" police conduct than illegal) 20. There will be a question from the debate on drugs as well 21. Anything on the slides, such as "camps" of criminologists, three strikes, felony murder, etc. are all also possible questions  Camps of criminologists:  Classical criminology--says that criminal behavior is freely chosen (result of bad choices); the problem to be solved is designing a system of punishment that will make it too costly for people to commit crimes (such as three strikes and felony murder rule)  Control theory--says that all people are naturally bad; all people will commit crime in the absence of controls  Three strikes laws (31 states)--first dangerous felony = regular sentence; second dangerous felony = typical sentence doubles; third dangerous felony (or in CA, any felony) = 25 years to life  Felony murder rule (46 states)--if in the commission of an inherently dangerous felony someone dies, everyone involved may be charged with felony murder (possibility of life in prison and even death penalty in 24 states)  Positivist criminology--says that criminal behavior is the result of external forces (family, school, peers, socioeconomic pressures, etc.); problem is identifying the causes of criminal behavior  Differential association--says that people learn criminal behavior from the people they associate with  Social constructionist view--looks at the behavior of criminal law and says that crime is socially constructed by the way criminal law is written and enforced; problem is to determine why some behaviors are illegal and why enforcement is different for some groups of people compared to others  Strain theory--says that crime is caused by a discrepancy between the approved goals of society and the means used to achieve them  Labeling theory--(similar to symbolic interactionism) looks at how that self-identity and behavior of individuals may be determined or influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them; it is associated with the concepts of self-fulfilling prophecy and stereotyping...