Criminal Justice Practice Exam

According to Émile Durkheim, the cause of crime is ___, that is, the disassociation of the individual from the ___.

1. Anomie; collective conscience

2. Sociopathy; sui generis

3. Sui generis; anomie

4. Sui generis; collective conscience

The correct answer is: Anomie; collective conscience

Émile Durkheim is a foundational figure in sociology, particularly known for his analysis of how societal factors influence individual behavior, including criminality. He introduced the concept of "anomie," which refers to a breakdown of social norms and values in a society, leading to feelings of alienation and disconnection among individuals. In this context, when Durkheim discusses the cause of crime, he links it to anomie, emphasizing that crime can emerge when individuals feel disconnected from the collective norms that usually guide behavior. This disassociation leads to a lack of social regulation and can result in increased criminal behavior as individuals may no longer feel bound by the common values that hold society together—what he terms the "collective conscience." Thus, the relationship between anomie and the collective conscience is central to Durkheim's theory of crime. When societal bonds weaken (anomie), individuals may operate outside of the shared moral framework of the community, leading to increased instances of criminality. This understanding is pivotal in studying the social aspects of crime and is foundational in sociological criminology.