...Sociological Theories of Crime AIU Online April 9, 2016 There are many theories as to why one commits acts of crime. Some of the theories revolve around socialism. Others involve theoretical assertions based on socioeconomic status. And another has basis on personal attributes and rationale to thought in motive. There are also different thoughts to explaining criminal behaviors, one being classical school of thought and the other being a positivist school of thought. For the focus of this paper we will be looking at the four main theories: Social control theory, Strain theory, Differential Association Theory, and Neutralization theory. Social control theory is the theory that those who engage in socializing or social learning build self-control and lessens the likelihood of antisocial behavior. This theory also explains the conformity of behavior accepted in society. Anti-social behavior due to lack of social links within society lend strong indications to criminal behaviors. Travis Hirschi’s held this same theory of ‘‘social control’’ stating that if a man is not variously bound to society by some attachment, commitment, or involvement, he is, at risk criminally. (Muraven, 2006) One of the strengths in this theory is the recognition of wrongdoing by offenders. With the recognition of wrongdoing should come the accountability of action. Therein lies the weakness to this theory as accountability for one’s actions tends to be ignored in today’s society, easily dismissed...
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...Differential Association in Our World Old Dominion University Abstract This paper will discuss the theory of differential association by Edwin Sutherland and how it is applied in sociology and criminology in society today. It will show how the theory is applied to the everyday lives of some criminals and how it can be applied to acts that may not be considered criminal. We will further explore Sutherland's nine key points that were used to detail what the building blocks of the theory are, and how those points have been applied to other studies. Research by other sociologists will be discussed in regards to differential association and how those researchers chose to interpret Sutherland's theory and use it to further explore instances of crime and deviance in their own research. Finally I will discuss how true the researchers stayed to the original theorists and reflect on my own opinions about the theory of differential association. Introduction The theory of differential association is one that has been used to attempt to identify why people commit crime for years. Since Edwin Sutherland created the theory in 1947 it has been looked to by numerous researchers both using the theory for inspiration and criticizing its legitimacy. This paper will discuss Sutherland's theory in its entirety including it's creation and what the theory itself states, its applications in our society as well as how other researchers have applied it to their own research, and the findings that...
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...Running head: Literary review 1 Ray Garcia Dr. Valenzuela CJ 302 11/25/2013 Abstract This year in class we have learned and applied many theories to certain crimes and court cases that have been conducted through the past. In this paper, we will look at two specific theories on how they are being used to explain or discover links between certain situations and factors. These theories allow us to see crimes in different perspective. Specifically, the theory’s in this paper we will explore rational choice theory on labeling and the linkage between arrest and gang membership, social control and differential association in relation to gangs. Each article gives us a study or situation that shows the theory’s effectiveness in explaining certain situations or actions. Gang Membership and Race as Risk Factors for Juvenile Arrest Michael Tapia article piece, “Gang membership and race as risk factor for juvenile arrest” addresses the linkage between arrests and gang membership while also exploring their race and ethnicity in correlation with their gangs. Throughout his research, Tapia shows that “gang members and racial minorities experienced undue arrest”(Tapia, 2011) which can be understood that gang members and minorities, in some cases, are easy targets for arrests because they easily fit the description or label of a law breaker or delinquent. These descriptions that law enforcement and the media portray on these gang members and minorities can eventually...
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...Social Organized Crime Perspective Paper Social institutions are social groups in which one grows up in, such as school which is a social institution. Schools shape and model the mind that makes the man or woman. it is one’s social environment in which a person grow-up into can force different choices to be made that one would not normally make. In relation to Organized Crime, it has been proven that one’s environment produces traits for example if a person has been exposed to an certain social group and environment for a long period of time one will pick up habits (good or bad), There are a number of arguments that exist within our society, one point states that our society needs to have rules and laws set in motion as well as those of unwritten codes and morals in place for all of those to abide by. In view of our society as the social institution that has recognize that institution have become affix that has helped to spawn the organized crime that also exists within it. “The Alien theory states that individuals tat where involved in organized crime in Italy had involvement in the criminal organizations known as the Sicilian Mafia or Costra Nostra. Once many Italians migrated to the United States” (Limbaugh, 2011) because Italy was at that time one of the most overcrowded countries in Europe, and many considered the thought of leaving Italy to escape low wages, high taxes, and “apprehension by law enforcement in their own country” (Limbaugh, 2011), by coming to America...
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...Sniper Twenty-three days is a long time to stay in and worry about being next on the shooters list. “The day of October 2, 2002, the beltway snipers began terrorizing people (FBI.Gov).” The beltway snipers, who are they, what crime did they commit, and theories of why they committed the crime is what this paper is about. The beltway snipers were, “John Muhammad, 41 and Lee Boyd Malvo, 17 (FBI.Gov.)” John Muhammad was a 41 year old African American. He was born on December 31, 1960 in Louisiana. 1985, Muhammad converted to Islam. He also joined the Army. During the Gulf War he become a skilled marksman. Around 2000, Muhammad took his children to Antigua. While in Antigua, Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo met. Muhammad returned to Bellingham,...
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...organized crime. Theories have been developed as to why there is organized crime. This paper will take a look at some of these theories and how they apply to organized crime and criminal behavior. Social Institution Social institution is a group of individuals joining or working together to obtain a common goal. These social organizations could be churches, schools, factories, and non-profit organizations. Organized crime can be looked at as a social organization due to the fact that in many instances the group uses members of the community to sell their product, furnish needed services, and be the consumer. An example of an organized crime organization that could be considered a social institution is gangs, prostitution rings, and drug rings. A social institution does not have to be a legitimate organization. Alien Conspiracy Theory One of the most common theories is the alien conspiracy theory. This theory explains the presence of organized crime is in the United States because it was brought here by immigrants (Lyman, 2007). The Sicilian and Russians are the two favorite. By placing the blame on outsiders or the influence of outsiders, people can make themselves believe that it is not their fault and organized crime would not be here if these foreigners were not here. The immigrants brought their criminal culture and behavior with them when they came to the United States (Mallory, 2007). Rational Choice Theory The rational choice theory believes that...
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...random and train him to become any type of specialist I might select--doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-chief, and, yes, even beggarman and thief, regardless of his talents, penchants, tendencies, abilities, vocations, and race of his ancestors" – in other words criminals are not born but shaped not only due to circumstance but through learning from intimate relationships with others. Throughout the course of this paper I will focus on why people behave in ways that lead them to be defined as deviant...
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...Controlling Organized Crime Paper When carefully considering how to define the term “organized crime” an individual concludes it is a group of individuals from the same or different ethnic backgrounds and transnational groups operate as a working network that may include politicians and legitimate businesses. Criminal organization characteristics are a topic throughout this document. These four theories, Social control, alien conspiracy, strain and anomie, and differential association are also topics in the document to provide a clear understanding of the development of criminal organizations. Complications as a result of criminal organizations, combatting organized crime with limited limitations, and federal laws supporting the efforts of anti-crime. A recommendation of gaining control over organized crime is also a topic in this document. Several theories can assist law enforcement, society, researchers, and professionals by providing an insight into the early development stages of criminal organization. Each theory has facts, research, and statistics to support the theories. The data collection provides an in-depth understanding why an organized crime group’s flourish and the reason these individual engage in criminal behavior. Additionally, theories assist law enforcement with determining a demographic area and individuals at risk of engaging in organized crime. Social Control Theory The social control theory suggests that links to a person’s family and neighborhood...
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...applies to organized crime. Criminal organizations usually develop in areas where the organization offers a product that is desired by individuals that reside in a particular geographical location. This will help the organizations success in distribution, consuming the product and producing the product. The other focus of criminal organizations is the social structure of the community, the social control of the community, and the member participation within the community with each other. Criminal organizations form solid relations with legitimate businesses and owners willing to participate in the organizations success (University of Phoenix). The alien theory is individuals that are involved with organized crime in Italy and Sicily also known as the Sicilian Mafia or Costra Nostra. The alien conspiracy theory blames outside people and outside influences on organized crime. The alien conspiracy supposes to be a fact that organized crime mafia gained attention during the 1860s in Sicily and that the Sicilians are responsible for the organized crime (University of Phoenix). This was a migration of individuals to the United States to escape the law enforcement in their country. There was opportunity for the individuals in the United States. The individual groups developed, operated, and organized several criminal organizations that were involved in minor and serious crimes (Osmosis, 2003). Social Organized Crime 3 The individual that is involved with...
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...sorted out to accomplish their objectives. A social foundation point of view is one who sees groups as a gathering of these social establishments and perspectives the inhabitants of the group as their individuals (Carlie, 2002). Social organizations are connected to sort out wrongdoing in a few ways. Warren (1973) characterizes group as "that mix of social units and frameworks which perform the significant public capacities include region pertinence." The group's association is perceived by the social exercises, as opposed to geographic or legitimate limits (Lyman & Potter, 2007). Sorted out wrongdoing speaks to a proceeding with, benefit inspired, criminal venture that utilizes the utilization of trepidation, roughness, intimidation, and open defilement to accomplish authoritative objectives and stay resistant to law requirement (Lyman & Potter, 2007). Sorted out wrongdoing will figure out how to acquire vast benefits and power regardless of what is decriminalized, made unlawful, or legitimized (Mallory, 2007). This paper will talk about and clarify the term social establishment as it applies to sort out wrongdoing, and the experimental...
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...2012 AIU Online 6/23/2012 ------------------------------------------------- Theories of Crime Causation Unit 3 Ind. Project The Sociological Theories Abstract The author of this paper focuses on the mainstream of criminology and the sociological theories of crime that have dominated the landscape for decades. The author focuses specifically on the social control theory, strain theory, differential association theory and the neutralization theory. These theories are often spoken due to their historical significance which was discovered during research in an attempt to examine delinquency and deviant behavior. Included in this paper the author shares with you her opinion as to the strengths and weaknesses of each theory. Further, she provides you with an example of a recent criminal arrest as it pertains to one of the aforementioned theories and the relevance that it has in explaining the offenders criminal actions. The first and most influential strain theorist is Robert K. Merton (1938). His original statement of anomie/strain theory is the basis for all of the theoretical developments. The strain has two associate components the first component is strictly focused on the concept of anomie (abnormalities), while the second is centered on the social structures, and the influences that society contributes to the strain theory. If you were to separate or combined these two components either way can lead an individual to a higher level of deviance...
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...Dave Salzano November 29, 2011 Professor Barnes Criminology 11am Term Paper Part 2 In the beginning of the year I believed that criminals who committed the same type of crimes did so for similar reasons. While I still agree that there is a correlation, through the semester I have changed my view a bit. There are many different theories that can explain the possibilities of why two criminals who have committed the same crime have done so. There isn’t one theory that can explain the causation of any particular crime, but instead each crime and each criminal differs on a case by case basis. Without realizing it I believed heavily in the strain theory as the best explanation for the causation of crime, mainly the belief that people in poverty would overlook the consequences in order to attain what others in their community have. Now I see this was an extremely narrow view point and believe each crime and each criminal can be explained through a diverse and often multiple groups of theories. I underestimated the impact of biological issues that contribute to crime explained by trait theorists. They argue the individual is not the only one responsible for crime in society, but that we must look at their environment, neighborhood, economic opportunities, and family life. The focus is on how different biological factors like high testosterone levels and a person’s diet combined with their environment effects crime (Siegel, 2000). I would have agreed that higher testosterone...
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...RUNNING HEAD: Position Paper 1 Cliffaniqa Towbridge CJ-333-02 Criminological Theory Assignment III Dr. Bullie March 8, 2015 Position Paper "All Law Enforcement Officers Should Be Trained in Criminological Theory in Order to be More Effective in Their Roles in the Community" Law enforcement is very imperative in the world that we live in today as police activity 2 continues to be more controversial while law enforcement also, battles with many forms of crime in todays society. In order to combat these problems and have a positive future in the criminal justice system, everyone must work together on a bigger scale. All law enforcement officers should be trained in criminological theory in order to be more effective in their roles in the community, on behalf of how they approach a situation, control crime, and understand a more deeper perspective of crime. Upon law enforcement officers approaching a situation in a aggressive way; they should act appropriately and ethically at all times. Essentially , young African Americans are fearful of law enforcement for this reasoning, they think they are being targeted and hunted based off of the aggressive portrayal of an officer in ,which the media displays. Which also, steams from the recent fatal shooting and killing of Eric Garner, and Michael Brown; Sometimes all it takes is an aggressive officer to trigger such emotions within an offender or the accused in question. For example, as I read "A Place on the Corner" I began...
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...Controlling Organized Crime CJA 384 July 1, 2013 Controlling Organized Crime Throughout this paper the many factors of criminal organizations will be covered. Some of the theories will be discussed to give one a better understanding of how organized crime comes to be. Also, some of the issues that occur as a result of organized crime, the legal limitations associated with combating organized crime, a federal law that supports anti-crime efforts, and a realistic solution for controlling organized crime will further be presented (University of Phoenix, 2010). Problems of Organized Crime In recent years, international organized crime has expanded considerably in presence, sophistication, and significance, and it currently threatens many aspects of how Americans live, work, and does business. International organized crime promotes corruption, violence, and other illegal activities, jeopardizes the border security, and causes human misery. It undermines the integrity of the banking and financial systems, commodities, securities markets, and cyberspace. In short, international organized crime is a national security problem that demands a strategic, targeted, and concerted United States Government response (International Organized Crime, 2008). Organized crime members are calculating and sophisticated and realize that their actions not only have criminal consequences but also are constantly under the scrutiny of law enforcement agencies. This scrutiny causes the criminals...
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...failed to be met then rebellion becomes the new means which leads to deviance. Another example would be the hippy movement of the mid-1960’s where in people around the world wanted peace so they banded together and made communities that propagated about ending the war and making peace, but that ended badly as these hippies were not only propagating peace, but also rebellion against the government for letting the war go on. There are several theories about deviance like social pathology, biological theory, psychological theory, social disorganization theory, labeling theory, anomie or structural stress theory, conflict theory, and cultural transmissions or differential association theory. Social Pathology is how deviant behavior is caused by physical and mental illness, malfunctions or deformities. Biological Theory is how deviant behavior is a result of genetic aberration. That’s why in the olden times if a person had enormous jaws, high cheekbones, and prominent superciliary arches were often deemed to be criminals. Psychological Theory is how deviant behavior is brought about by inner tensions or inability to control one’s impulses...
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