Strain Theory Of Criminology
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In the study of criminology, it is important to understand why people commit crime in an effort to address it appropriately. There are many theories that have emerged from different perspectives of criminal behavior. Rational choice theory states that people generally act in their self-interest and make decisions to commit crime. This means that people are living in such a way that knowingly disobeys law and order while thinking of the consequences at hand.
Social disorganization theory believes that a person’s social environment is responsible for their criminal activity. For example, a person living in poverty and living near fraying social structures are at a higher risk for crime. These types of areas include vandalized buildings and a high unemployment rate.
The Strain theory suggests that people has similar aspirations, but lack the same opportunities and resources. In this theory, the average person that falls short of expected success through society will resort to a success in criminal activity (Briggs, 2016). The Social learning theory is what I believe adolescents are struggling with today. It says that people learn criminal behavior through the people they associate with. This is known as peer pressure and could cause a minor to fall into gang activity as well as other crime. The …show more content…
Social Control theory suggests that restrictions are what stop a person from committing crime. For example, school, work, and church are examples of places in which people are required to behave accordingly. This theory says that without rules, criminal activity would exist. The Labeling theory is when someone is labeled a criminal and has opportunities taken away because of that label. This theory suggests that people in power are usually in charge of labeling and this act ultimately leads to more criminal activity (Briggs, 2016). 3
My experience
Personally, I believe that these theories are all apart of why crime happens.
The social learning theory is what I have experience with because of my choice of friends in high school. During high school I would skip class and get into fights because it was what we thought was “cool” and if I didn’t do it, I would be banned from the group. The labeling theory is another theory that I have witnessed but not experienced within my community. The labeling theory happens with every criminal that has served time and have been released. For example, once they are labeled as a convicted felon, it is rare that they will have the same opportunity and be able to live a normal
life.
Reference:
Briggs, S. (n.d.). Important Theories in Criminology: Why People Commit Crime - dummies. Retrieved October 30, 2016, from http://www.dummies.com/education/psychology/important-theories-in-criminology-why-people-commit-crime/
In the study of criminology, it is important to understand why people commit crime in an effort to address it appropriately. There are many theories that have emerged from different perspectives of criminal behavior. Rational choice theory states that people generally act in their self-interest and make decisions to commit crime. This means that people are living in such a way that knowingly disobeys law and order while thinking of the consequences at hand.
Social disorganization theory believes that a person’s social environment is responsible for their criminal activity. For example, a person living in poverty and living near fraying social structures are at a higher risk for crime. These types of areas include vandalized buildings and a high unemployment rate.
The Strain theory suggests that people has similar aspirations, but lack the same opportunities and resources. In this theory, the average person that falls short of expected success through society will resort to a success in criminal activity (Briggs, 2016). The Social learning theory is what I believe adolescents are struggling with today. It says that people learn criminal behavior through the people they associate with. This is known as peer pressure and could cause a minor to fall into gang activity as well as other crime. The …show more content…
Social Control theory suggests that restrictions are what stop a person from committing crime. For example, school, work, and church are examples of places in which people are required to behave accordingly. This theory says that without rules, criminal activity would exist. The Labeling theory is when someone is labeled a criminal and has opportunities taken away because of that label. This theory suggests that people in power are usually in charge of labeling and this act ultimately leads to more criminal activity (Briggs, 2016). 3
My experience
Personally, I believe that these theories are all apart of why crime happens.
The social learning theory is what I have experience with because of my choice of friends in high school. During high school I would skip class and get into fights because it was what we thought was “cool” and if I didn’t do it, I would be banned from the group. The labeling theory is another theory that I have witnessed but not experienced within my community. The labeling theory happens with every criminal that has served time and have been released. For example, once they are labeled as a convicted felon, it is rare that they will have the same opportunity and be able to live a normal
life.
Reference:
Briggs, S. (n.d.). Important Theories in Criminology: Why People Commit Crime - dummies. Retrieved October 30, 2016, from http://www.dummies.com/education/psychology/important-theories-in-criminology-why-people-commit-crime/