Sociocultural refers to the combination of social and cultural factors that influence human

behavior, thoughts, and beliefs. It encompasses the shared beliefs, values, customs, and
behaviors that shape a group of people's identity and way of life.

Discussion:

In simple context cultural and social environment can influences an individual's perceptions
and experiences, including traditions, values, and religious beliefs

Social Norms: Example Filipinos are known for being Hospitable, Bayanihan Spirit,
In terms of Food culture , Filipinos love to eat and cook for food, Its common to
hear thae words “kain na” as an invitation to share a meal. In addition every province and
region has its own unique delicacies and flavors that reflect local culture and traditions.

 Influence of Culture, society and environmental in shaping criminal behavior

CHICAGO SCHOOL/ SOCIAL DISORGANIZATION THEORY -Shaw & McKay (1969)

defined as a sudden influx of a large number of people in and out of a neighborhood,

creates a pathological environment that contributes more to crime than the deviant behavior
of abnormal individuals.

Poverty From the word itself; DIS- ORGANIZE

Urbanization
Broken Family Pathological environment - uncontrollable, rapid
Industrialization changes
Over Population
Migration
Unemployment

Discussion:

1. Chicago’s Immigrant Neighborhoods (Early 20th Century)

 Description: During the early 1900s, many immigrants settled in Chicago’s slums,
particularly in the area known as the “Zone of Transition.” These neighborhoods
experienced rapid population turnover and lack for stable community structures.
 During this time,crime rates is high and social disorder in the neighborhoods were
attributed to the instability and lack of social cohesion.
 The Immigrants often faced economic challenges and discrimination, leading to
increased criminal activities as they struggled to integrate.
 Outcome: This disorganization led to a cycle of poverty and crime, illustrating the
theory that weak community ties and unstable environments foster criminal behavior.

According to this theory: Children who grow up in poor neighborhoods with a high rates of
alcohol , drug use, violence, teen delinquency, and deprived parenting are likely to become
criminals than children who grow up in wealthy neighborhoods with good schools and
active families.
deviance is a function of broader social factors. ( deviance - a behavior from the norm that is
normal or acceptable)

Conclusion:
People do not become criminals by birth, but they can become one over time due to factors in
their social environment.
A study of social disorganization can significantly influence public policy.
 ANOMIE/ STRAIN THEORY

Emile Durkheim
It is a state of social disintegration . Due to a far-reaching social change (here:
industrialization, introduction of the structural principle of division of labour), social
differentiations are increasingly emerging (e.g. poor – rich, urban – rural, religious –
secularised, etc.).

Social disintegration - a breakdown of social norms and values

Discussion:
Anomie means lawless in Greek and in general refers to a state of normlessness and a
lack of moral standards among people.

The disappearance of old principles of structure and order weakens social cohesion. As a
result, general social rules are no longer observed; the collective order dissolves and a state
of anomie emerges. The consequences of this are increased suicide and crime rates.

Example: A society that places a high emphasis on wealth and success might experience
anomie if individuals are unable to achieve the goals through legitimate means. These could
lead to increased levels of crime, drug abuse and other deviant behaviors.

Robert K. Merton’s
anomie theory is that most people strive to achieve culturally recognized goals.
A state of anomie develops when access to these goals is blocked to entire groups of
people or individuals.
The result is a deviant behaviour characterized by
Conformity
Innovation
Ritualism
Retreatism
Rebellion

Discussion:
 Conformity- people trying and achieving their goal through legitimate means, conforming to
society norms and values. e.g. working hard to get promotion
 Innovation- People realize they will not achieved their goal through legitimate means, so
innovative their means (often criminally) to achieve them. eg. robbing a bank, rather working
 Ritualism- students who graduate from high school w/o career plans but attended to college/
university bec. that what is expected.
 Retreatism- giving up their goals, reject any means to reach them. e.g dropping up from college
and becoming drug addict
 Rebellion- Peoples reject society goals and the means of achieving them, rebel against society.

Case Scenario: Rocket

Rocket situation demonstrates how Anomie/Strain Theory explains deviance. The societal
emphasis on success and wealth, combined with blocked access to legitimate means (such
as stable employment/ failed to achieve certain goal),it creates strain for an individual.
This strain may lead an individual to innovate : engage in illegal activities, retreat from
society, or adopt other deviant behaviors as a way to cope with the disconnection between
goals and means.

SUBCULTURAL THEORY
Albert Cohen
deviants and deliquency are a result of subculture formation.
Subculture are created when individuals form a group in which they share values different
from mainstream societal values

Delinquent subculture exists because it offers a solution to the status problems and
frustrations that working-class boys experience in their efforts to achieve middle-
class success.
Example of Subcultural crimes:
Gang-related violence: they engage in violent acts by protecting their territory/ maintain their
reputation/ settle disputes
Property Crimes: express their dissatisfaction with society they may commit Theft/ Robbery/
Vandalism
Hate Crimes: they may prejudice or bias against a particular group may result into assaults/
threats/ targeting member of that group

Discussion:
The subcultural explanation of deviance stresses that some subcultures contain norms that
deviate from and conflict with those of the general society.
Conformity (sense of belongingness) to a subcultural norms therefore involves deviance from
those of the society at large.
In this sense, rates of crime and delinquency can be viewed simply as products of deviant
subcultures.

 Subcultural theorists assume that individuals learn deviant or criminal behavior in association
with others and the existence of deviant subcultural norms are learned, shared, and
perpetuated over time.
SOCIAL CONTROL THEORY
Travis Hirschi in 1969

It states that an individual’s behavior is bonded by society, and the extent to which an
individual feels the bond or commitment to society determines their deviance from
conventional societal norms.

Four elements /factors would influence the bond that an individual feels toward society
1. Attachment
2. Commitment
3. Involvement
4. Beliefs

Discussion:
Attachment
If a person feels no attachment or emotion to anyone in society, then theoretically, he or she
would be free to conduct crimes, and there is no reason for him or her to stop.
Commitment
This relates to an individual's investment in conventional activities, such as education,
career, or long-term goals.

Involvement
If a person is heavily involved in certain activities, then they have less time and energy to
think about committing delinquent acts. They would also be heavily involved in social
networks and hesitate to engage in criminal activity.
On the other hand, some people may spend less time doing conventional activities,
experience detachment from society, and thus be more likely to commit a crime.

Beliefs
Some beliefs allow delinquent behaviors while other beliefs prevent delinquency. If an
individual believes in following social norms and rules, then he or she would be less likely to
commit actions that violate the rules.
An individual who doesn’t believe in the importance or necessity of societal rules would be
involved in activities that go against societal norms.

In other ways this 4 factors/elements used to develop strategies to promote

conformity and reduce deviant behavior.

Conclusion: ROCKET CASE SCENARIO

In this scenario, Rocket strong bonds to his family, commitment to his education and
future, involvement in productive activities, and belief in societal rules all act as
protective factors. These elements, outlined in Social Control Theory, help Rocket resist
peer pressure and avoid engaging in deviant behavior.

The impact of poverty, inequality , and social disorganization on crime rates

POVERTY

ECONOMIC STRAIN : Poverty can lead to economic strain, which can motivates individuals
to engage in criminal activities to meet their basic needs
Inflation rate: sa pagtaas ng bilihin hindi nakakasabay ang mga nasa mababang kapulongan
(lalo na yung mga tinatawag natin na isang kahig isang tuka) of course they strive to survive
each day, as a sense of survival to them they commit crime.

LIMITED OPPORTUNITIES: limit the access to education, employment and other

opportunities, making it difficult for individuals to achieve their goals through legitimate
means.

SOCIAL ISOLATION: as individuals may be unable to afford participation in social activities

or may be stigmatized due to their social and economic status.

Kapag galing sa isang lugar na mataas ang crime rate

Minsan sa pananamit din ng isang tao kapag mukhang di kaaya aya or medyo madumi
mukha ng may gagawin na masama.
INEQUALITY

RELATIVE DEPRIVATION: Inequality can lead to feelings of relative deprivation, as

individuals may compare their own circumstances to those of others who are more
fortunate. This can create resentment and frustration, which may contribute to criminal
behavior.

Example : PEER PRESSURE =Most of teenager experience this especially want to blend in
new trends.
Online Sexual Content Seller (Influencer)- RA 10175 “Cyber Crime Prevention Act of 2012”

Section 4. Cybercrime Offenses par. (c) Content-related Offenses:

(3) Unsolicited Commercial Communications. — The transmission of commercial electronic

communication with the use of computer system which seek to advertise, sell, or offer for
sale products and services are prohibited unless:

(i) There is prior affirmative consent from the recipient; or

(ii) The primary intent of the communication is for service and/or administrative
announcements from the sender to its existing users, subscribers or customers; or(iii) The
following conditions are present:

(aa) The commercial electronic communication contains a simple, valid, and reliable way for
the recipient to reject. receipt of further commercial electronic messages (opt-out) from the
same source;

(bb) The commercial electronic communication does not purposely disguise the source of
the electronic message; and

(cc) The commercial electronic communication does not purposely include misleading
information in any part of the message

SOCIAL TENSION: Inequality can create social tension and conflict, as individuals from
different socioeconomic backgrounds may compete for limited resources. This can increase
the likelihood of violence and crime.
Land Disputes and Extrajudicial Killings in Indigenous Ancestral Domains (Lumad
Communities)

 In the rural regions of Mindanao, an indigenous community has been in conflict with
a large agricultural corporation over land ownership. The land in question is part of
the indigenous group's ancestral domain and that their rights to it are protected
under the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA)., which they have lived on and
cultivated for generations. However, the corporation claims they have legal
ownership based on government permits issued for large-scale plantations,
particularly for bananas and palm oil .It contribute to local employment and the
national economy.
 Incident: The indigenous group, primarily the Lumad, have been resisting the
expansion of the plantation, accusing the corporation of land grabbing and
environmental destruction. The tension escalates when the company hires private
security forces and, allegedly, armed militias to intimidate and drive out the Lumad.
Simultaneously, the Lumad are supported by NGOs and activist groups, who help
them organize protests and resist the encroachment.
  Outcome: retaliation for the murders, some members of the Lumad community
arm themselves and form militias, leading to violent confrontations with the
corporation’s private security and, eventually, government forces. What started as a
land dispute escalates into an armed conflict, with both sides suffering casualties.

SOCIAL DISORGANIZATION

Breakdown of Social Institutions: Social disorganization refers to the breakdown of social

institutions, such as families, schools, and communities. When these institutions are weak
or absent, they are unable to provide the necessary support and guidance for individuals.

Family : Foundation or the backbone of the Community. Family are the first source of social
control, providing moral guidance, discipline, and emotional support.
School: Serve as a major institution for shaping the behavior, attitudes, and future
prospects of individuals. When schools are underfunded, overcrowded, or fail to engage
students effectively, the chances of academic failure and dropout rates increase.
Community: Disorganized areas tend to experience higher rates of delinquency, drug
abuse, and gang violence,

Lack of Social Control: Social disorganization can lead to a lack of social control, as there
may be no one to enforce social norms or to discourage deviant behavior.
Ex. Kung walang leader sa isang lugar na nangungunang mamuno (brgy cpt., tanods)

Criminal Subcultures: In areas with high levels of social disorganization, criminal

subcultures may develop, providing individuals with opportunities to learn criminal skills and
values.

Cultural criminology : understanding crime in different cultural context

CULTURAL CRIMINOLOGY
is not a crime theory in the narrower sense. Rather, it is a theoretical current that has
emerged in the English-speaking world and, based on cultural studies and critical theories of
criminality, understands deviance and phenomena of crime control as an interactionist,
symbol-mediated process and analyses them with recourse to primarily ethnological
research methods.

CULTURAL CRIMINOLOGY
is a theoretical, methodological and interventionist approach to the study of crime that
places criminality and its control in the context of culture; that is, it views crime and the
agencies and institutions of crime control as cultural products - as creative constructs. As
such they must be read in terms of the meanings they carry.

CRIME AS CULTURE

Deviante subcultures are characterised by a system of symbols (slang expressions,

appearance, style – “stylized presentation of self” – Ferrell, 1999). Belonging to a subculture
requires the ability to construct and deconstruct this system of collective codes and
practices. In addition, symbolic communication often takes place outside face-to-face
interactions (e.g. hackers, graffiti sprayers, drug couriers, etc.)
CULTURE AS CRIME

This thematic area includes the criminalization of cultural products and artists. The analysis
focuses on the one hand on the distinction between so-called high culture (i.e. forms of
culture that are primarily popular with the dominant social classes) and popular culture on
the other.
This practices undergone by the majority of
Example : women in the Horn of Africa, in the West
FGM (partial or removal of female genitalia) African countries of GuineaMauritania, Mali
Child Marriage/ Forced Marriage and Burkina Faso, as well as in Sudan and
Foot binding -common at Nothern part of China Egypt.

Footbinding was viewed as a rite of passage for young girls and was believed to be
preparation for puberty, menstruation, and childbirth. It symbolized a girl's willingness to
obey, just as it limited the mobility and power of females, kept women subordinate to men,
and increased the differences between the sexes.

Fully 96% of countries have laws that specify when people can legally marry. Only six
countries – Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen –
do not specify a minimum age for marriage. In many countries, even those that allow minors
to wed, minimum age requirements are often ignored.

MEDIA CONSTRUCTIONS OF CRIME AND CONTROL

Media plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions of crime. Cultural criminology examines
how crime is portrayed in films, news, and literature, and how these representations can
influence public perception and policy.

A media construction of crime and control refers to the way media portrays crime,
criminals, and the system of control (like law enforcement, judiciary, and prisons). These
portrayals significantly shape public perceptions of what crime is, who the criminals are, and
how society should handle crime, often creating a gap between reality and public opinion.

The Philippine War on Drugs

Incident:President Rodrigo Duterte after taking office in 2016, launched an aggressive anti-
drug campaign aimed at eliminating illegal drugs in the Philippines. The campaign led to
thousands of deaths, including alleged extrajudicial killings of suspected drug users and
dealers. The media’s coverage of this war played a critical role in constructing how the
campaign was understood by the public.

 Sensational & Fear Amplification: The sensationalized media reports(from tv, radio,
newspaper) amplified public fear of drug-related crime.

 Criminal Stereotyping: Media coverage often focused on people from poor urban
areas, reinforcing the stereotype that drug use and trafficking were predominantly
problems of poverty-stricken communities.
 Narrative Construction (Nanlaban)
 Public Opinion and Policy Impact: Due to the media’s portrayal of drug suspects as
societal threats and Duterte as a savior, many Filipinos supported the drug war despite
its violent tactics. The public’s fear of crime and drugs led to high approval ratings for
Duterte, even as human rights organizations condemned the killings.

Outcome: The media constructions of crime and control in the context of the War on
Drugs helped shape public support for Duterte’s anti-drug policies. Despite international
criticism and calls for investigations into human rights abuses, many Filipinos believed
that the war was necessary to control crime and drugs.

POLITICAL DIMENSIONS OF CULTURE, CRIME AND CULTURAL CRIMINOLOGY

is dedicated to the analysis of power relations in which media, social control, culture and
crime stand:Deviant subcultures become the object of stately surveillance and control or are
subject to a process of commodification and become the object of hegemonic culture.

Red-Tagging of Activists

 Political Influence: The government and military often accuse activists, journalists,
and critics of being linked to communist rebels, a practice called "red-tagging." This
makes their actions seem criminal, even if they’re just exercising their freedom of
speech or fighting for human rights.
 Cultural and Crime Aspect: By labeling activism as criminal, the government uses
this to silence opposition. Protesters, especially those from leftist or indigenous
groups, are often harassed or arrested based on these accusations.
 Outcome: Red-tagging creates a culture of fear, making it risky for people to speak
out against the government. It's an example of how political power turns cultural and
political resistance into something criminal.

Conclusion:The political dimensions of culture, crime, and cultural criminology show that
crime is not a neutral or purely legal concept but one that is deeply influenced by cultural
and political power. Understanding these dynamics helps reveal how crime control policies
serve broader political purposes, such as maintaining social hierarchies, controlling
marginalized groups, and shaping public consciousness.