Social structure and social factors are a huge component in the creation of criminogenic environments. Using a structural approach in explaining the creation of criminogenic environments “helps us understand why poor urban areas have higher street crime rates than wealthy suburbs” (page 128). There are many different theories and ideas that can help us explain this structural approach and what roles they have in creating a criminogenic society. Durkheim’s theories are extremely known in today’s society. His theories on socialization and social ties help us to explain how the structure of society can contribute to the crime in those areas.
Within the past couple of decades, criminologists have developed different criminological theories that apply to the social behaviors and decisions of criminals. One of the earliest theories developed regarding criminality is the rational choice theory, in which describes the rationalization of determining if the rewards from committing the crime outweigh the consequences. In Scarver’s case, his decision to engage in criminal activities outweighed the potential consequences, or the other alternatives if he did not engage in such criminal activities. In addition to the rational choice theory, Scarver’s criminality can be related to the social disorganization theory, which describes the influence of one’s social and physical environment on one’s decision to commit a crime. Lastly, the strain theory can be related to Scarver’s criminality as well, as it is used to describe an individual who lacks the means to obtain such goals, and aspirations, so therefore, he or she engages in criminal activities to acquire the goals.
There are many differences between sociological theories, psychological theories, and theological theories of criminology. When comparing these theories, we are able to recognize how they work together in describing crime. However, these theories have more differences than they do similarities. Sociological theories take the time to explain the influences of society on criminal behavior. Psychological theories discuss the individual themselves, and how their personalities, IQ, or way of thinking influences criminal behavior.
The documentary I choose is called Crime after Crime, and I felt it demonstrated the sociological themes we have discussed and how the system can be for us or against us. It was a documentary about a lady name Deborah Peagler who was convicted to 25 years to life. She had married a man by the name of Oliver Wilson, who use to beat on her and abuse her. She felt as though it was no way out of the relationship and she even go the police involved. She got a couple of guys around the neighborhood to try to beat him up a little bit but he ended up dying.
Crime is often found in every society. Why? Theorist argues that: crime occurs because members of society find it hard to comply with rules of behavior or they get a self-fulfillment breaking it. Crime/deviance can be an indication that an area needs attention. Also, it can bring about solidarity or togetherness in society.
The other explanation is based on social responsibilities which indicate that individuals know the difference between the wrong and the right decisions and as such, decide to undertake in crime after making a conscious decision. Various theoretical perspectives can be used to support the two themes. For instance, social disorganization theory and strain theory can be used in explaining how social problems that exist in an individual’s environment can push them to undertake criminal activities. Social disorganization theory points out those illegal activities are more likely to take place in
It does not consider other factors such as criminal associations, individual traits, and inner strains, which plays a significant role in determining punishment for the individuals in committing crimes. It is observed that this theory endeavours to know that whether the activities of crime as well as the victim’s choice, criminals commit the activities on start from rational decisions. The theory also determines that criminals consider different elements before committing crime. They engage in the exchange of ideas before reaching on any final decision. These elements consist of consequences of their crimes, which include revealing their families to problems or death, chances of being arrested, and others elements, which comprises of placement of surveillance systems (Walsh & Hemmens, 2010; Lichbach,
Sociological theories suggest that a lack of equal opportunities, neighborhood disarray, and the social environment is the leading cause for crime causation (Hall, n.d.). The sociological theory has a larger impact on the poor and disproportioned. According to the sociological theory crime is due to the environment an individual is subjected too. This is especially true in communities where the crime rate is high. In communities that are inundated with gangs, violence, drugs and murder, juveniles are more likely associate with gangs and violence if it is always visible within their community.
his paper will address Life Course theory by Robert J. Sampson and John H. Laub. This is a collective level theory which explains reasons that lead to the decrease in crime rates as people age. This decrease in criminality is due to informal and formal social control placed on the individual. The core argument, however, is that informal social bonds pose as the biggest influence as to whether or not someone will commit a crime. Their proposition is that crime and deviance is the result of the weakening/breaking of one’s social bonds.
2013 p. 3) Social disorganization theory “argues that crime occurs when the mechanisms of social control (arrest and court procedure, jail sentences and payment of money for breaking the law) are weakened” (Kelly, 2000; Messier,
My paper aims to discuss the three different factors of criminal behaviour, what causes it and why. My essay will examine and focus mainly on the genetic makeup of a person, the environment in which they are raised in and gender differences.
There are many theories that suggest that crime is constructed socially, or is a product of the society in which the crime is committed. One such theory, proposed by Robert Merton, is known as strain theory. While strain theory is a useful model for explaining how societal values can drive people to commit crimes, it has several flaws and does not focus on how laws are made and how this contributes to the formation of crime. While Merton suggests that laws are created from consensus within a society, it will be argued that strain theory can also support the idea that laws are a “product of conflict” (Hagan 5). Strain theory is founded on the idea that the goals of a society and the accepted means of achieving said goal causes strain that can
Social process theory depends on the interaction between individuals and society as an explanation and is also known as interactionist perspective. This theory assumes that everyone has the potential to violate the law and that criminality is not an innate human characteristic but is instead a belief that criminal behavior is learned by interaction with others (Schmalleger, 2012). Social process feels the socialization process that occurs because of group membership is the main way through which learning occurs (Schmalleger, 2012). Social process theory views criminality as people’s interactions with various organizations, institutions, and processes in society (Siegel, 2000). This theory feels that people from all areas have the potential
Crime is any act which breaks the laws of society, such as murder, rape, speeding etc. Social control is enforced by agencies such as police and the courts, more specifically defined than deviance. Deviance is behaviour which moves away from controversial norms and values such as burping, pass wind in public and queuing. It Can be positive e.g. extreme intelligence. Although in some situation in nature – time dependent of factors, place, who is involved.
As far as crime is concerned, it is defined by the law. Deviance is unexpected behaviour, but not exactly considered criminal. Many consider crime as a social problem – a problem as defined by society, such as homelessness, drug abuse, etc. Others would say crime is a sociological problem – something defined as a problem by sociologists and should be dealt with accordingly by sociologists. This essay attempts to discover the boundaries between these two and ultimately come to an appropriate conclusion.
