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Read Item A below and answer the question that follows: Item A The different agencies of the criminal justice system, such as the police and the courts, are responsible for processing individuals who are suspected of committing crimes - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 3 - 2017 - Paper 3
Question 3
Read Item A below and answer the question that follows: Item A The different agencies of the criminal justice system, such as the police and the courts, are respon... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read Item A below and answer the question that follows: Item A The different agencies of the criminal justice system, such as the police and the courts, are responsible for processing individuals who are suspected of committing crimes - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 3 - 2017 - Paper 3
Step 1
Analyse two reasons for social class differences in official crime statistics - Reason 1
Answer
One reason for social class differences in official crime statistics is tied to educational underachievement. Individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds often face barriers in the education system, which can lead to frustration and feelings of marginalization. For example, children from disadvantaged neighborhoods may struggle to receive quality education and thus feel they have fewer legitimate avenues for achieving their goals. This sense of exclusion can lead to involvement in criminal activities as an alternative means of success, contributing to higher crime statistics among lower social classes.
Step 2
Analyse two reasons for social class differences in official crime statistics - Reason 2
Answer
Another reason relates to opportunity and access to resources. People in lower social classes typically reside in deprived areas where crime rates are higher. These environments may foster subcultures that normalize criminal behavior as a viable pathway to financial gain. Additionally, the lack of accessible opportunities for legitimate employment leads individuals to adopt deviant methods to achieve societal goals. For instance, if secure jobs are limited, engaging in illegal activities may be perceived as a more attainable means of success, further skewing crime statistics in favor of representation from lower social classes.