SOC 2230 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Routine Activity Theory, Propane Torch, Debit Card

• School: University of Virginia
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC 2230
• Professor: Mc Connell Bob

Document Summary

Routine activity theory falls under social ecological theory. Characteristics of places can allow for, or even lead to, crime. Microsociological- focuses in on small scale environments. Traces paths and routines people follow throughout their daily lives. Crimes more frequently happen at certain times of the day. Tried to answer: why have crime rates increased so much? : 1960s was a decade of increasing crime. Changes in schedules and possessions can allow for more or less crime. Routine activities: any recurrent and prevalent activities which provide for basic population and individual needs, whatever their biological or cultural origins. Thus routine activities would include formalized work, as well as the provision of standard food, shelter, sexual outlet, leisure, social interaction, learning and childrearing. Any time any of these things change, crime rates can change. A crime may not happen if a victim has a telephone (eg. so they can call for help)