Question 1: Define the term 'social distribution of crime'. Why is it important to study this in sociology?

Answer: The social distribution of crime refers to the way in which crime rates vary among different social groups, such as classes, genders, or ethnicities. It is important because it helps sociologists understand patterns and causes of crime, and develop targeted policies for crime prevention.

Question 2: Name two social factors that influence the likelihood of an individual committing or being involved in crime.

Answer: Two social factors are socioeconomic status and ethnicity.

Question 3: Explain how the concept of 'labelling' can affect the likelihood of someone from a minority ethnic group being involved in criminal activity.

Answer: Labelling occurs when society assigns a criminal label to individuals from minority ethnic groups, which can lead to stigmatization and reinforce stereotypes. This may increase the likelihood of those individuals being involved in further criminal activity due to social exclusion and limited opportunities.

Question 4: Discuss two reasons why working-class individuals might be more likely to be apprehended for crimes than middle- or upper-class individuals.

Answer: Firstly, working-class individuals may be more likely to commit crimes due to economic deprivation and limited access to legitimate opportunities. Secondly, law enforcement practices may disproportionately target or scrutinize working-class areas, leading to higher arrest rates among these groups.

Question 5: Identify and briefly describe one sociological theory that explains why crime rates might be higher among young males.

Answer: Merton's Strain Theory suggests that young males may experience pressure to achieve societal success, and when they lack legitimate means, they may resort to crime to achieve success or cope with frustration.

Question 6: Sketch a simple bar chart comparing the general crime rates between males and females. Label the axes clearly. (Describe what a correct sketch would include.)

Answer: A correct sketch would include a vertical bar chart with two bars: one representing male crime rates and the other female crime rates. The male bar should be taller, indicating higher rates. Axes should be labeled 'Gender' (x-axis) and 'Crime Rate' (y-axis).

Question 7: Describe a scenario where social class influences the type of crime most commonly committed.

Answer: Individuals from lower social classes might be more involved in property crimes like theft or burglary due to economic hardship, whereas those from higher social classes might be more involved in white-collar crimes such as fraud or embezzlement.

Question 8: Explain how media portrayal can influence public perceptions of which social groups are most associated with crime.

Answer: Media often sensationalizes crimes committed by certain social groups, such as ethnic minorities or the working class, reinforcing stereotypes and biases. This can lead the public to overestimate the involvement of these groups in crime.

Question 9: Draft a brief outline for an essay discussing whether crime is more prevalent among the working class or the middle class. What key points would you include?

Answer: Key points should include: statistics showing crime rates among different classes; reasons such as economic deprivation for higher crime in the working class; the influence of social inequality; potential biases in law enforcement; and contrasting evidence suggesting some crimes are more common in middle classes, like white-collar crime. The conclusion should weigh these factors and assess the overall social distribution.