The Sociological Theories Of Crime Essay - 1329 Words

Many people have different theories as to why crime exists. Some believe crime happens because of the individual’s culture, education (or lack there of), or even their race. Others believe crime is associated with whom we surround ourselves with. There are three sociological theories that suggest why crime happens in society; they are social learning theory, social control theory, and social reaction (labeling) theory. These theories suggest it is our relationships and social interactions that influence our behavior. Social Learning Theory The social learning theory states that criminal behavior is learned. Criminals learn their bad behaviors from close relationships they may have with criminal peers (Siegel Worrall, 2016). Children look up to their parents; they want to be just like them. So, if children grow up surround by crime, they think that it is both normal and acceptable, and it is likely that they will participate in criminal behavior when they are older. As a result of learning this behavior, it is passed down through generations and is never broken. This can also be learned from friendships people may have with negative influences. Young adults and children want to fit in with their peers, so if they are surrounded with those who commit crimes, they are probably going to do the same because â€Å"everyone is doing it†. Social Control Theory Social bonds in some cases can prevent people from committing a crime. However, if these bonds are broken, criminal behaviorShow MoreRelatedSimilarities and Differences in Sociological Theories of Crime890 Words   |  4 PagesSimilarities and Differences in Sociological Theories of Crime Walden University Similarities and Differences in Sociological Theories of Crime Sociological theories of crime contain a great deal of useful information in the understanding of criminal behavior. Sociological theories are very useful in the study of criminal behavior because unlike psychological and biological theories they are mostly macro level theories which attempt to explain rates of crime for a group or an area rather thanRead MoreSociological and Psychological Theories of Crime Causation1978 Words   |  8 PagesSociological and Psychological Theories of Crime Causation The aim of this essay is to compare, contrast and evaluate two sociological theories of crime causation and two psychological theories of crime causation. Sociological Theories of crime, Labelling and Structural Functionalism/ Strain. Howard Becker is a sociologist that is often credited with the development of the labelling theory. However the origins of this theory can be traced back to sociologists at the beginning of the twentieth centuryRead MoreThe Usefulness of Sociological Theories in Explaining Crime and the Control of Crime3045 Words   |  13 PagesUsefulness of Sociological Theories in Explaining Crime and the Control of Crime This paper seeks to explore the usefulness of Sociological Theories in explaining crime and whether in doing so there arises implications for probation practice. I shall begin by providing a brief explanation for the historical development of criminological thinking, starting with Classicism and moving onto Positivism both which lay the foundations for the development of sociological theories in theRead MoreMarxists theory to the sociological understanding of crime and deviance913 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿Assess the contribution of the Marxist theory to the sociological understanding of crime and deviance. (21 marks) Marxism is a macro/structural approach to society, meaning that it looks at the large-scale societal structure for answers about how society works and operates and explores crime and deviance in relation to classes within a capitalist society. Marxists claim that laws do not reflect a value consensus, instead laws and law enforcement benefits the rich (protection of private property)Read MoreLabelling Theories Contribution to the Sociological Understanding of Crime and Deviance1069 Words   |  5 PagesLabelling Theories Contribution to the Sociological Understanding of Crime and Deviance Becker is the main sociologist studying labelling theory on deviance, he argues that social groups create deviance by making the rules whose infraction constitutes deviance. Meaning acts only become deviant when observers perceive it and define it as deviant. An example of this would be the act of nudity, it is accepted in the bedroom between husband and wife or on a nudist campRead MoreCompare and contrast two main sociological theories of crime and deviance.1636 Words   |  7 Pagesthe two main sociological theories of crime and deviance. Deviance and crime are wide-ranging terms used by sociologists to refer to behavior that varies, in some way, from a social norm.  Cultural Norms are societys propensity towards certain ideals; their aversion from others; and their standard, ritualistic practices. Essentially the norm is a summation of typical activities and beliefs of group of people.  This essay will evaluate the sociological theories associated with crime and devianceRead MoreWhy Should People Commit Crime And Labeling Theory From A Sociological Perspective1743 Words   |  7 Pagesare two theories that are in debate, anomie-strain theory, and labeling theory. In this essay, I am going to compare and contrast the two theories and explain how tattooing has become a stigma in today s society. I am going to discuss three similarity views; first they share ties with social strain in deviance, by the way, society is structured. Second, they both deal with crime among minority group as well as crime rates in the Un ited States. Third, both anomie-strain and labeling theory focus onRead MoreTheories on Crime1253 Words   |  5 PagesTheories on Crime: The field of criminology is basically described as the study of crime through which the causes, prevention, and correction of offenses are examined. While this process can be extremely difficult, especially for students, the analysis of the causes of crime is significant to sociology and criminology. The difficulties associated with the study of crime originate from the numerous challenges in developing theories that explain human behavior. In relation to crime, human behaviorRead Moretheories on crime comparison1138 Words   |  5 Pages Theories on Crime Comparison AJS 542 October 14, 2013 Professor Packer Theories on Crime Comparison Every individual is different from the next. The same goes for crime. Society recognizes the multiple types of crimes that exist in society because of this, theorists identify different levels why these crimes exist. This paper will provide information on sociological theory including the relationship between personality and criminal behavior according to sociological theory. AlsoRead MoreWhy do individuals commit crimes?1381 Words   |  6 PagesTHEORIES OF CRIME Uka 5 THEORIES OF CRIME Uka 6 Can I Have Some Theory With That Crime? Why do individuals commit crimes? Society today is very well concerned with this matter. In todays time, there are psychologists, criminologists, biologists, and sociologists searching for an answer. In reality, the answer to this question is very hard to find out. However, for centuries, researchers of all kinds have been persistent in analyzing criminals for an answer. The scholarly attention to crime from