Summary: Horizontal Social Structure

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Page 3 of the text explains that social structure consists of social inequality. Horizontal social structure refers to the social and physical factors of the communities and social relationships where individuals belong. Vertical social structure refers to how society ranks different groups of people due to their social class, race, and gender. These inequalities may lead to social strain between social classes, which can possibly result in crime. Furthermore, structural factors discussed in page 27 of the textbook explain how levels of social integration in neighborhoods, the number of colored people living in the neighborhood, and the quality of living conditions are all factors that affect crime and the fear of crime. It is also explained how the urban residences have a greater fear of crime. …show more content…

The text goes on to explain that income can also play an important role in violent-crime victimization rates. Usually the lower the income, the higher the rate of property related crime victimization. In addition, extreme poverty and economic deprivation is discussed in page 133. As an indirect factor, it explains how poverty promotes crime by producing social disorganization and undermines traditional social control. As more of a direct effect, it is explained how the underclass endures a constant cycle of disadvantage which leads them to commit crimes out of frustration, anger, or economic need. Continuing, the theory of relative deprivation also supports the poverty to crime relationship and gives an explanation as to why the underclass commits crimes. The poor become angry and frustrated when they realize that others in society have more money. This leads to lower feelings of self-worth and realizing how unfair this is which leads to property and violent crime as well as the use of