Postmodernism and Crime Flashcards
What is a postmodern society characterised by?
Choice
Diversity
Individualism
Globalisation
ICT and global mass media
Decline in metanarratives - grand explanations like religion or science
Greater risk and uncertainty
What do postmodernists argue crime is?
Argue crime is a social construction - it changes over time and between cultures
What do postmodernists argue crime should be replaced by?
Crime should be replaced with the idea of ‘social harm’ to include harmful acts that may be legal
What is edgework?
Edgework is committing crimes that are on the edge of danger and safety
Why may Miller’s focal concerns theory explain why young males engage in edgework?
Young males have developed their own subcultures where committing dangerous crimes is valued
What is the impact of globalisation on crime?
Creating new opportunities from crime e.g. cybercrime
What is cybercrime?
Cybercrime are crimes committed on the internet such as fraud
Why are cybercrimes difficult to prosecute?
Because they are very difficult to trace due to private connections
