Social Structure Theories
What is the Chicago School?
According to Gottfredson and Hirschi, self-control is fully formed at this age.
8
What is the age-crime curve?
This theorist originally wanted to be a magician.
What is the code of the street?
The code of the street mandates that respect/status is the number one priority. If somebody challenges either, the code of the street suggests that you respond violently.
Why are control theories unique?
They seek to investigate what PREVENTS us from committing crime.
What is self-control?
"The extent to which people are vulnerable to the temptations of the moment"
What is labeling theory?
Labeling theory presumes that attaching a negative label to a person can result in them identifying with that label, via the self-fulfilling prophecy, and then they might act accordingly. Thus, it is best NOT to label offenders negatively.
-Removal of a positive stimuli
-Addition of a negative stimuli
-Coping mechanisms
List three manifestations of low self-control.
Risk taking behaviors.
Lack of empathy.
Impulsivity.
Lacking conscientiousness.
What is delinquency?
It refers to the criminal offending of minors.
Normlessness/A break down in social norms
What is social disorganization?
This occurs when there are conflicting values present in an area and the rules begin to breakdown, such that it is impossible to regulate the behavior of others.
Name ONE policy suggestion from the social process theories
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Family training
Target hardening
The Violation of a social norm.
According to Merton, what is strain?
The disjunction between one's goals and means
Label each of the five zones in Park and Burgess’ (1925) Concentric Zone Theory. Briefly describe which is most likely to be criminogenic and why this is so.
1. Central Business District/The Loop: This is where all the businesses and skyscrapers (if they have them in this city) exist. People travel here to work.
2. The Zone in Transition: This zone is full of dilapidated buildings, abandoned buildings, and factories, in addition to high rates of transiency and low collective efficacy. This is where most immigrant groups come until they can move into Zone 3. *It is the most prone to crime.
3. The Working Class Zone: Often, those who escape Zone 2 are located here. There are apartment buildings.
4. The Residential Zone: In this zone, there are small family homes with lawns and garages.
5. The Commuter Zone: Suburbia! Lots of manicured lawns and huge homes.
What are the four components in Hirschi’s Social Bond Theory? Explain each.
Attachment: Attachment to one's loved ones or peers can prevent them from engaging in crime for fear of severing the relationship.
Commitment: Commitment to one's future goals also sways people away from crime. For example, they do not want to jeopardize their potential career, college education, family life, etc.
Involvement: Individuals who are involved in numerous activities and extracurricular events have less time to dedicate to crime.
Belief: While this is specific to the individual, this could be their religion, moral compass, or general belief system that frowns upon crime.
List and describe Merton’s modes of adaptation. How does this relate to strain? Which is most prone to criminal behavior?
Conformists accept the institutional goals and they have legitimate means to achieve them. For example, Leslie Knope or a judge would fit here.*MOST people are conformists. The other modes are all deviant, but only one is prone to crime.
Innovators also desire the institutional goals (i.e. money) but they do not have legitimate means, such as college or a supportive family/upbringing. They will create their own means to achieve those goals and they are typically criminal. Example: Pablo Escobar sold cocaine to reach his financial success. Other drug dealers and criminals who gain profit from their crimes fit here.
Ritualists work hard everyday and thus, they have the legitimate means, but they do not share societal goals.
Retreatists are unable to focus on societal goals and means, because they are typically struggling with other stressful stimuli, such as alcoholism, drug addiction, or homelessness. They retreat from goals and means of society and generally, society, too.
Rebels denounce societal goals and means to create their own. An example from the media is Katniss Everdeen. Many people also consider rioters to be rebels.
What is collective efficacy? How does it relate to social organization and how can it prevent crime?