Read Item B below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 3

To evaluate sociological explanations of the relationship between social class and offending, we must first consider the context provided in Item B. Statistics indicate a significant link between social class and criminal behavior, with a substantial proportion of offenders originating from deprived backgrounds. This observation aligns with the Functionalist perspective, which posits that the working class faces limited access to legitimate means of achieving societal goals, leading to higher rates of deviance.

Functionalist Perspective

Functionalists like Merton argue that social structure plays a crucial role in shaping individual behavior. They suggest that when the means to achieve success are blocked, individuals may resort to crime as an alternative pathway. For instance, the lack of educational qualifications and employment opportunities in deprived areas may push individuals towards criminality as a means of survival or status attainment.

Critique of the Functionalist View

However, this perspective may overlook the complexity of offending behavior. It simplifies the reasons behind crime to purely socio-economic factors without considering individual agency or other influences such as peer pressure, family background, or community norms. Additionally, not all individuals in deprived areas engage in criminal behavior, which raises questions about the absolute link between socio-economic status and offending.

Selective Law Creation and Enforcement

Other sociologists argue that the relationship between social class and offending is exacerbated by selective law creation and enforcement. This perspective suggests that laws are often created to protect the interests of the powerful, and those in lower socio-economic positions face harsher penalties and more significant scrutiny than their wealthier counterparts. For instance, white-collar crimes committed by more affluent individuals may go unnoticed or unpunished, effectively downplaying their impact on statistics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is a notable relationship between social class and offending, this relationship is intricate and influenced by various factors, including societal structure, legal framework, and individual choice. Both Functionalist theories and critiques surrounding selective enforcement provide valuable insights, yet it is crucial to understand them within a broader socio-economic context to grasp the complexities involved in criminal behavior.