©THEBRIGHT EXAM SOLUTIONS 2024/2025
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Criminology Practice Questions With
Verified Answers
Briefly describe why Albert and Barbara's circumstances could be seen as criminal and deviant.
[4] - Answers✔• They are described by neighbours as being dysfunctional and weirdos. This
would suggest they are deviant.
• Barbara has turned to stealing in order to obtain expensive items, and this is criminal and
deviant behaviour.
• If Albert has ended his mother's life this is criminal behaviour and could be assisted suicide or
murder, which would also be considered deviant.
Describe one sociological theory of criminality- Marxism - Answers✔• Society may influence a
person to become criminal.
• Marxism sees crime as something that the ruling class use as a
means of social control.
• The criminal justice system, including the police and prisons,
encourages conformity.
• It assumes that the disadvantaged social class is a primary cause of
crime and that criminal behaviour begins in youth.
• The nature of capitalism encourages a two-tier system in society. One
group has no power or money and therefore are forced to turn to
crime.
• It suggests that crime is largely a result of unfavourable conditions in
a community, for example poverty, high dropout rate, unemployment and single-parent families
1
, ©THEBRIGHT EXAM SOLUTIONS 2024/2025
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Describe one sociological theory of criminality- Merton strain theory - Answers✔• Candidates
may refer to the work of Robert K Merton.
• Society encourages people to subscribe to the goals of material
success. They strive for the American Dream.
• However, society is unable to provide the legitimate means for all to
achieve success.
• Some people find their opportunities are blocked and consequently
they experience feelings of anomie.
• There are various responses to the strain, such as conformity and
innovation. Some of the responses can result in criminality occurring.
Describe one sociological theory of criminality- Interactionism - Answers✔• This theory focuses
on the way people in society interact with one another. According to Howard Becker, the
Labelling theory can explain criminality.
• Crime is a social construction and, as such, behaviour is punished accordingly.
• Once a person is labelled, they then tend to adopt the label and behave as expected. Their
master status then becomes that of the label and hence a self-fulfilling prophecy. This label can
result in criminality.
Analyse how the theory described in 1(b)(i) can be applied to Barbara's
criminality.- Marxism - Answers✔• Barbara would be classed as a member of the working class
or proletariat.
• Society may have forced Barbara into crime. She has been unable to obtain employment and
earn a salary to fund her purchases as she has had to look after her mother. Society has not
provided the care for her mother that has been provided by Barbara.
• As a result of a capitalist society producing unequal opportunities, Barbara has been forced to
commit crimes to achieve what she wants.
• Barbara may feel she has no choice but to commit crimes by stealing jewellery, as other
members of society, such as the bourgeoisie, have all the opportunities to earn a salary and buy
such items.
Analyse how the theory described in 1(b)(i) can be applied to Barbara's
criminality.- Strain theory of criminality - Answers✔• Society has set goals for people to achieve
and this includes Barbara. Such aims could include buying jewellery and other luxury items.
2
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Criminology Practice Questions With
Verified Answers
Briefly describe why Albert and Barbara's circumstances could be seen as criminal and deviant.
[4] - Answers✔• They are described by neighbours as being dysfunctional and weirdos. This
would suggest they are deviant.
• Barbara has turned to stealing in order to obtain expensive items, and this is criminal and
deviant behaviour.
• If Albert has ended his mother's life this is criminal behaviour and could be assisted suicide or
murder, which would also be considered deviant.
Describe one sociological theory of criminality- Marxism - Answers✔• Society may influence a
person to become criminal.
• Marxism sees crime as something that the ruling class use as a
means of social control.
• The criminal justice system, including the police and prisons,
encourages conformity.
• It assumes that the disadvantaged social class is a primary cause of
crime and that criminal behaviour begins in youth.
• The nature of capitalism encourages a two-tier system in society. One
group has no power or money and therefore are forced to turn to
crime.
• It suggests that crime is largely a result of unfavourable conditions in
a community, for example poverty, high dropout rate, unemployment and single-parent families
1
, ©THEBRIGHT EXAM SOLUTIONS 2024/2025
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Describe one sociological theory of criminality- Merton strain theory - Answers✔• Candidates
may refer to the work of Robert K Merton.
• Society encourages people to subscribe to the goals of material
success. They strive for the American Dream.
• However, society is unable to provide the legitimate means for all to
achieve success.
• Some people find their opportunities are blocked and consequently
they experience feelings of anomie.
• There are various responses to the strain, such as conformity and
innovation. Some of the responses can result in criminality occurring.
Describe one sociological theory of criminality- Interactionism - Answers✔• This theory focuses
on the way people in society interact with one another. According to Howard Becker, the
Labelling theory can explain criminality.
• Crime is a social construction and, as such, behaviour is punished accordingly.
• Once a person is labelled, they then tend to adopt the label and behave as expected. Their
master status then becomes that of the label and hence a self-fulfilling prophecy. This label can
result in criminality.
Analyse how the theory described in 1(b)(i) can be applied to Barbara's
criminality.- Marxism - Answers✔• Barbara would be classed as a member of the working class
or proletariat.
• Society may have forced Barbara into crime. She has been unable to obtain employment and
earn a salary to fund her purchases as she has had to look after her mother. Society has not
provided the care for her mother that has been provided by Barbara.
• As a result of a capitalist society producing unequal opportunities, Barbara has been forced to
commit crimes to achieve what she wants.
• Barbara may feel she has no choice but to commit crimes by stealing jewellery, as other
members of society, such as the bourgeoisie, have all the opportunities to earn a salary and buy
such items.
Analyse how the theory described in 1(b)(i) can be applied to Barbara's
criminality.- Strain theory of criminality - Answers✔• Society has set goals for people to achieve
and this includes Barbara. Such aims could include buying jewellery and other luxury items.
2
