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Lecture#19

This document summarizes several sociological theories of crime: 1. Control theories (Reckless, Hirschi) propose that individuals engage in criminal behavior when their internal or external controls are weak. 2. Strain theory (Merton) suggests that when social values promote certain goals but legitimate means to achieve them are limited, individuals may feel strain and engage in deviant behavior like crime. 3. Labeling theory (Becker) views deviant behavior as what a group chooses to label as such, and this labeling can influence one's identity and lead to further deviance.

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34 views11 pages

Lecture#19

This document summarizes several sociological theories of crime: 1. Control theories (Reckless, Hirschi) propose that individuals engage in criminal behavior when their internal or external controls are weak. 2. Strain theory (Merton) suggests that when social values promote certain goals but legitimate means to achieve them are limited, individuals may feel strain and engage in deviant behavior like crime. 3. Labeling theory (Becker) views deviant behavior as what a group chooses to label as such, and this labeling can influence one's identity and lead to further deviance.

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waqas_shahzad0077575
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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INTRODUCTION

TO
SOCIOLOGY
Lecture 19

EXPLANATIONS
OF
CRIME
Continued

Control theory (Reckless)


Two control systems:
1. Inner control system,
superego. conscience.
2. Outer control system. Family,
friends, subculture.
How strong are the controls
determines deviance.

Hirschis control theory


Social control lies in anticipating
the consequences of ones act.
Linked conformity to four types
of social control:
1. Attachment. 2.Commitment
3. Involvement. 4. Belief.

Strain Theory -- ( Merton)


How social values produce crime
Acceptance of cultural goals.
Access to institutionalized means.
Acceptance of goals but the nonavailability of means to achieve
creates strain.
Strain leads to the feeling of
anomie normlessness.

Matching goals to means


.

Strain
No
yes
Yes
Yes
. Yes

.
Mode of
adaptation
Goals Means
Conformists
+
+
Innovators
+
Ritualists
+
Retreatists
Rebels
+/+/-.
+ = accept
- = reject

Labeling (Becker)
Deviant behavior is that which
people so label. Labeling
stigmatization.
Labeling itself is means to
amplification.
Influences ones sense of selfidentity. Accepts the label.

Illegitimate opportunity:
Explaining social class & crime
Blue collar crimes: Failure of
lower class kids. Find
illegitimate opportunities for
meeting their needs robbery,
burglary. Much publicized. Own
subculture.
(Cloward and Ohlin)

White-collar crime
(Sutherland)
Crimes committed by
people of hi social class.
Less visibility.

Conflict Theory
Deviance is deliberately chosen in
response to social inequalities.
Counterculture groups engage in
distinctly political acts. Kidnapping,
mugging, terrorism.
Crime -- a disguised form of protest
against inequality social justice,
power, politics.

INTRODUCTION
TO
SOCIOLOGY
Lecture 19

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