Download OCR A Level Sociology Delivery Guide Learner Resource Activity 6

Learner Resource 6
Explanations of crime and deviance application activity
You will be expected to apply your theoretical understanding of explanations of crime and deviance
to contemporary issues. This section uses a contemporary example to encourage you to begin to
apply a range of theories to assess how they might explain corporate crime. This activity also helps
you to assess how useful particular theories are in contemporary society. Some sociologists
believe for example, that traditional social theories are losing relevance in today’s society.
Read the article below, which includes a short video summarising the issues.
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/feb/08/hsbc-files-expose-swiss-bank-clients-dodgetaxes-hide-millions
For a more detailed exploration of the issue watch the documentary aired by BBC Panorama:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b052sk1h/panorama-the-bank-of-tax-cheats-panorama
1.
In no more than 100 words describe how Britain’s largest bank is reported to have helped its
wealthiest customers avoid paying taxes.
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2.
Explain how this is an example of corporate crime.
3.
Give three other examples of corporate crime.
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Next, using the diagram below, discuss how each theoretical perspective would explain HSBC’s
reported avoidance of paying tax. Make brief notes.
4.
Concepts are essential in explaining and understanding theoretical perspectives of crime and
deviance. In the table below develop your application by using the concepts provided to write
a more full and detailed description of each theoretical explanation.
Functionalism
value consensus, anomie, dysfunction, social solidarity, crime as a social construct, crime as a
‘safety valve’
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Marxism
corporate crime, ruling class crime, crime of the powerful, non-decision making, law making
Interactionism
labelling theory, social action, primary and secondary, self-fulfilling prophecy, master status
Feminism
double deviance, malestream, patriarchal ideology, ladette culture, sexism
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5.
Which theory, in your own view, do you think is most useful in explaining the reported HSBC
bank tax avoidance issue?
Extension activity
Discuss in small groups how useful the following theories might be in interpreting the banking issue
discussed above:

Functionalist subcultural theories

Marxist subcultural theories

Realist theories.
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