Developing Literacy Skills for A2
essay writing
Context- Subcultural Theory of Crime
Lesson objectives
Objectives
To review
performance and
identify targets for
future writing
To develop
understanding of
PEELE model
To develop writing
structure and apply
PEELE model
Context
Functionalist essay
(review)
and Subcultural Theories
essay (write)
Success criteria
Grade C
• Include a ‘range of
points’
• Explain points and
avoid listing
• Give a range of
criticisms
Grade A
• Using key terms well
and explaining clearly
• Illustrating points
• Evaluation is balanced
• Contrasting theories
Self Review
Go back over your answer and
identify your targets to work on
in your next piece of writing.
You may wish to apply the
following ‘success criteria’ to
help with this.
‘success criteria’
Grade A
Grade C
• Good clear structure with intro/body/
evaluation section/conclusion
• Introduction that does not set the
scene well
• A good range of points included
• Some points given but tend to be
listed rather than explained
• Concepts/points explained clearly
• Examples used to illustrate points
• Study presented – but not that
detailed – scope to explore/discuss
ideas more
• A good range of evaluation points that
are focused and used effectively
• Limited/no examples used to support
points
• Conclusion used to sum up the overall
contribution of a theory
• A few evaluation points - may be listed
rather than explained
• No conclusion
Top Tip: Structure
Introduction
‘set the scene’
Separate paragraphs on key
points (using PEELE structure)
Body
Evaluation/
analysis
Conclusion
Evaluation
- Challenge ideas
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Contrast views
B/A
C/B
Developing AO2
Literacy Skills
Application/Analysis/Synthesis
- Relevancy
- Focused points
- Links
- Evidence/illustration
- Deconstruction of a debate
C
D
Understanding/Explanation
- Meaning
Knowledge
- Relevant concepts/studies etc
Mastering
Skills in
Sociology
PEEEL is vital for displaying AO2 skills
To present a solid case against chivalry thesis, you should :
• Aim to include a ‘range’ of points
• Use PEEEL format to structure a paragraph
= point
= explain
State the point
Give an explanation of the point
= example Illustrate with examples/studies
= evaluate Offer a criticism/disadvantage of factor
= link
Relate to the issue in the question
Mastering
Skills in
Sociology
Using PEEEL to organise a paragraph
In sociology, PEEEL is probably best presented in the following
order: Point – Explain – Example – Link - Evaluation
Example of using the PEEEL model in your socialisation essay
One point emphasised by Durkheim is the way that deviance can be
functional for society.
It can help to reinforce boundaries in society, for example, we need to
be reminded of the extremes of evil like rape and murder. It also helps
to test boundaries and help to cause social change, such as Nelson
Mandela and his actions to end apartheid in South Africa. A further
function is in how punishment unifies a community, this was shown in
the case of the murder of Lee Rigby on the streets of London, people
are joined in their anger and desire for justice. Another function is how
it helps to single out individuals from wider society, those who maybe
a risk to us.
The functions of deviance can be highly beneficial and not just be a bad
thing in society.
However, Durkheim can be criticised as he ignores the impact of crime
on victims –surely that cannot be positive. He also fails to explain
where the laws come from in society and how benefit the powerful
more. He also does not consider how the media may lead to copycat
crimes.
Apply the success criteria to the
following paragraph (in pairs)
1. What would you grade it (and why)?
2. How could it be improved?
Rewrite this paragraph to make it stronger
Mastering
Skills in
Sociology
Using PEEEL to organise a paragraph
In sociology, PEEEL is probably best presented in the following
order: Point – Explain – Example – Link - Evaluation
Durkheim says that crime can have positive functions for
society. One way is by reinforcing boundaries and
supporting shared values in society. It also can test
boundaries, as some crimes may be needed to make
change happen in society. Another way is how the media
can help to bring drama to punishment. Even in a society
of saints crime would happen as it is inevitable and good.
Durkheim can be criticised as he ignores the power in
society, who controls biased laws and invisible crime.
Planning the subcultural theory essay
“Assess the usefulness of functionalist
subcultural theory to an understanding
of crime and deviance in society”
(21 marks)
Study the following points that could
be included in the essay
• Study the cards carefully
• Put them into an order for the essay
• Add the following where you can:
- explanations
- examples
- evaluation points
Albert
Cohen
Definition of
subculture
Working class
culture
Source of
status
Advantages of
subcultural
theory
Failure at
school
Illegitimate
Opportunity
Structures
Career path
Explain links
to Merton
Cloward &
Ohlin
Matza
Juvenile
delinquency
Focal
Concerns
Rebellion
Working class
neighbourhoods
Challenge
authority
Status
Frustration
disadvantages of
subcultural
theory
Conclusion
Group
behaviour
Definition of
subculture
Group
behaviour
Cloward &
Ohlin
Career
path
Illegitimate
Opportunity
Structures
Working class
neighbourhoods
Albert
Cohen
Status
Frustration
Failure at
school
Source of
status
Miller
Working class
culture
Focal Concerns
Explain links
to Merton
Rebellion
Juvenile
delinquency
Advantages of
subcultural
theory
disadvantages of
subcultural
theory
Matza
Conclusion
Plenary
Using the 2 post its provided:
• Note any skills/knowledge that you have
developed today
• Anything that you would like further help with
to develop your writing style
Lesson objectives
Objectives
To review
performance and
identify targets for
future writing
To develop
understanding of
PEELE model
To develop writing
structure and apply
PEELE model
Context
Functionalist essay
(review)
and Subcultural Theories
essay (write)
Success criteria
Grade C
• Include a ‘range of
points’
• Explain points and
avoid listing
• Give a range of
criticisms
Grade A
• Using key terms well
and explaining clearly
• Illustrating points
• Evaluation is balanced
• Contrasting theories
Grade A/B target – contrasting
theories
How can the following be used to challenge or
support Functionalist Subcultural theories?
Labelling
Theory
Stress how the police are
biased and patrol more
working class areas.
Marxist
Theory
Note how crime is caused by
capitalism. How it causes
inequalities and greed which
lead to deviance.
They note how the selfconcept of people is affected
when they are labelled and
this can make deviance
increase.
They note how middle class
and rich people commit
crime but they tend to avoid
getting detected.
They note how deviants form
subcultures when rejected
by society.
They also see the laws as
biased and helping to control
the working class.
Ecological
Theory
Examine the links between
geographic area and crime.
They note the way that
urban areas are linked to
crime.
They stress the importance
of community for reducing
crime by strengthening
bonds that help to control
behaviour.
Grade C target – getting the
evaluation right
Before your conclusion – set aside 2 paragraphs.
One to cover the strengths of subcultural theory.
• Include at least 3
• Use these concepts/ideas: status frustration, career,
identity, mindless deviance
One to cover weaknesses of subcultural theory.
• Include at least 3
• Use these concepts/ideas: too deterministic, transient,
middle class crime