In a very general sense chapters, four and five examine crime and criminality from a more individual perspective. Chapter six focuses outside the individual, specifically the individual’s economic reality.  

In a very general sense chapters, four and five examine crime and criminality from a more individual perspective. Chapter six focuses outside the individual, specifically the individual’s economic reality.

Prompt

As a way to understand this perspective and as a study tool for our exam.  In bullet/outline format, summarize each of the branches (1. social disorganization, 2. strain theory, and 3. cultural deviance theory) within this social structure perspective.  Make sure to summarize, don’t over-explain.  You can include direct quotes from the text or paraphrased material, including key terms or theorists when applicable. think about half-page or so for each perspective.

ANSWER

An Examination of Crime and Criminality from an Individual and Economic Perspective

Introduction

In chapters four and five of our study, we delve into the analysis of crime and criminality from a more individual perspective. Chapter six shifts the focus outside of the individual and explores their economic reality. This essay will summarize the key branches within the social structure perspective, namely social disorganization, strain theory, and cultural deviance theory. By providing a concise overview of each perspective, we aim to enhance understanding and facilitate exam preparation.

Social Disorganization

The social disorganization perspective examines how the breakdown of social institutions and community cohesion contributes to crime and criminality. It emphasizes the influence of neighborhood characteristics on individual behavior. Key points within this perspective include:

Social disorganization theory posits that crime rates are influenced by the absence of social control mechanisms and the deterioration of community structures.

Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay’s study on Chicago neighborhoods revealed that high rates of crime were associated with neighborhoods characterized by poverty, residential mobility, and ethnic heterogeneity.

The concept of “concentric zones” identifies the concentric circles of a city, with crime rates increasing as one moves from the outer zones toward the inner city.

Social disorganization theorists argue that crime is more prevalent in disadvantaged neighborhoods due to a lack of collective efficacy and informal social control.

Strain Theory

Strain theory explores how societal pressures and strains lead individuals to engage in criminal behavior (Nickerson, 2023). It focuses on the discrepancy between socially accepted goals and the means available to achieve them. Key points within this perspective include:

Robert Merton’s strain theory suggests that individuals experience strain when they are unable to achieve culturally prescribed goals through legitimate means.

Strain can result from various sources, such as economic inequality, limited opportunities, and social expectations.

Merton proposed five modes of adaptation to strain: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion.

Conformity represents individuals who accept both societal goals and the means to achieve them, while innovation refers to those who accept goals but resort to illegitimate means.

Strain theorists argue that individuals who experience strain are more likely to engage in criminal activities as a means of achieving their goals.

Cultural Deviance Theory

Cultural deviance theory explores how certain cultural values and norms within subcultures contribute to criminal behavior (Little, 2016). It emphasizes the influence of subcultural factors on individual actions. Key points within this perspective include:

Cultural deviance theory suggests that crime and delinquency arise from the clash between mainstream cultural values and the distinct norms and values of specific subcultures.

Albert Cohen’s theory of delinquent subcultures posits that lower-class youths face status frustration, leading them to form subcultures with alternative norms and values.

Cohen identified three main types of delinquent subcultures: criminal, conflict, and retreatist.

Criminal subcultures emphasize material gain through illegal means, while conflict subcultures seek status and respect through violence and gang activities.

Retreatist subcultures involve individuals who have failed to achieve success within mainstream society and retreat into substance abuse and withdrawal.

Conclusion

In summary, the social structure perspective provides valuable insights into crime and criminality by examining individual and economic factors. Social disorganization theory highlights the impact of neighborhood characteristics on crime rates, strain theory focuses on the strains individuals experience in pursuit of societal goals, and cultural deviance theory emphasizes the influence of subcultural values on criminal behavior. By understanding these perspectives, we can develop a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics underlying crime and criminality, enhancing our exam preparation and knowledge in the field.

References

Little, W. (2016, October 5). Chapter 7. Deviance, Crime, and Social Control. Pressbooks. https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontosociology2ndedition/chapter/chapter-7-deviance-crime-and-social-control/ 

Nickerson, C. (2023). Merton’s Strain Theory of Deviance and Anomie in Sociology. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/mertons-strain-theory-deviance.html