Theories of Crime Causation Colleen Garland CJ102: Criminology Kaplan University 3/9/15 Abstract This paper will look at different theories in Criminology that are used to describe why crime occurs. The theories that will be looked at are Rational Choice Theory‚ General Theory of Crime‚ and Labeling Theory. The elements of each theory will be defined‚ any similarities or differences will be looked at‚ and finally any necessary improvements to each theory will be discussed. Theories of Crime Causation
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There are many different factors that have to be considered when examining the role of access to opportunity structures in causing crime and deviance. Merton’s ‘Strain theory and anomie’ argues that deviance arises from the structure of society and that unequal access to legitimate opportunity structures is the cause of deviant behaviour. The main point that Merton’s theory outlines is the fact that people engage in deviant behaviour because they are unable to achieve socially approved goals by legitimate
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interest in studying the subject of crime and deviance and the contribution that sociologist have brought to the understanding of the subject has been vital though a closer look may reveal some loopholes of the sociological explanations of crime and deviance. Definition of crime varies from one area of study to another and it can be argued that a more comprehensive sociological definition of crime is the one provided for by Julia
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Deviance involves‚ to an extent‚ a degree of stigmatization of a sub-population. These social stigmas are positioned and sanctioned by the majority population on the basis of certain‚ and sometimes subtle‚ differences. As societies expand‚ various behaviours may be removed from abnormal categories‚ therefore altering the depiction of deviance in a society. For example‚ prior to 1972‚ it was considered a crime and socially deviant to be a homosexual. Eventually human rights became more relevant and
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Theories of Crime Causation from Psychological and Sociological Perspectives Throughout the history of criminological thought‚ various theories on crime causation have been formulated and many questions as to why individuals commit crime still remain unanswered. This essay will focus on psychological and sociological theories in relation to criminological matters. Criminology the study of crime in society arose from sociology and psychology in the late 1800’s. It has three main schools of
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Professor and classmates‚ A subculture is a cultural subgroup. They are considered ’opposite from the mainstream culture because of their unique trends. Subcultures have distinctive styles of dress‚ activity‚ and music. A perfect example of a familiar subcultural minority in my on society is Quechua.Most Quechua Indians still live in the areas once governed by the Inca Empire in Peru. There distinctive styles of dress are different of what we humans wear now in days. Quechua women wear skirts and blouses
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Social structure theory s focus on socioeconomic and cultural values. There are three subtypes that sociologist and criminalities have identified. Social disorganization theory‚ strain theory and cultural transmission. Social disorganization theory focus conditions in the urban environment. A juvenile that live in a neighborhood where there is a high crime rate most likely the juvenile will be involved in criminal activities. Strain theory is obtaining money and goals illegally. Juveniles will start
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Theories of Deviance: Conflict Theory Why are some people ’s behaviors more apt to be negatively labeled by the criminal justice system? Labeling theorists point to the role of moral entrepreneurs or social movements‚ but what about the forces that underlie a particular moral crusade? Why‚ for example‚ would American society want to criminalize the production‚ sale‚ and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the 1920s? Why the increased penalties for domestic violence in the 1970s‚ or the War on
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Social Deviance Compiled by Parul Parihar As Young and Mack have pointed out‚ “No norm is always obeyed; no individual always conforms to every set of expectations”. Hence‚ deviance‚ that is‚ the act of going against the rules or norms is there everywhere. Deviant Behaviour such as knavery‚ cheating‚ adultery‚ unfairness‚ crime‚ malingering‚ immorality‚ dishonesty‚ betrayal‚ burglary‚ corruption‚ cunningness‚ sneakiness‚ wickedness
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2012 General Theory of Crime There has been much controversy and studies done on Gottfredson and Hirschi’s development of their book-length theory‚ General Theory of Crime. They discuss ideas and concepts concerning self-control and how that affects an individual’s likelihood of committing criminal acts. If a person lacks in self-control‚ they are more prone to being deviant given the correct circumstances and factors surrounding their situation. Considered to be such a simple theory‚ it offers
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