Exam 6: Social Structure Theories

There are three independent yet overlapping branches within the social structure perspective: social disorganization theory, strain theory, and cultural deviance theory. Briefly discuss the main focuses of each of these theories.

Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay contended that criminals are biologically inferior, intellectually impaired, or psychologically damaged.

According to Albert Cohen, the corner boy is a chronic delinquent who adopts a set of norms and principles that directly oppose middle-class values.

Tim would really like to have the status among his friends which comes from owning a great car, having cash at hand, and being able to buy things he wants. Tim has never done well in school and has no desire to try to finish high school or go to college. Recently, Tim has been making good money selling drugs out of his car so that he can achieve the material goals he has set out for himself. According to Merton, which strategy for social adaptations is Tim using?

Robert Merton's view of anomie has been one of the most enduring and influential theories of criminality.

What might community members do to help transform a disorganized neighbourhood into a more functional, lower crime zone?

What is the difference between anomie and relative deprivation theories and Robert Agnew's general strain theory?

Walter Miller first articulated the theory of delinquent subcultures.

Canada uses "low income cut-offs" as a measure of poverty in Canada.

Which group should have the lowest level of criminal behaviour, according to Robert Merton, because they have abandoned the success goal, which is at the root of criminal behaviour?

General strain theory would support the claim of an offender who linked his criminal behaviour to the fact that he was abused as a child. Which type of strain would a general strain theorist call that experienced by abuse victims?

The theory of delinquent subcultures and the theory of differential opportunity both look at youth gang activity. What are the similarities and differences between the two perspectives?

Which group of the Canadian population is hit especially hard by poverty?

What would a strain theorist say is the main cause of crime?

What types of crime are experienced most often in neighbourhoods with low employment rates?

Robert Agnew's general strain theory suggests that there is more than one source of anomie.

Discuss how income plays a significant role in the lives of children and adolescents growing up in Canada and the development of potential criminals.

What would a researcher be called who takes the position that crime rates are linked to class level and that those in lower classes are more likely to commit crime because of their economic struggles?

According to the textbook, what was the most important finding of Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay?

In regard to the relationship between social status and criminal behaviour, describe the issues that criminologists consider important in understanding the general and the unique causes of crime and how these affect Canadian culture.