Exam 9: E: Deviance

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According to Robert Merton, Albert Cohen, Walter Miller, and Elijah Anderson, the higher involvement of people from lower class positions in street crime can be attributed to the strain and frustration experienced by individuals in these social positions. Merton's strain theory suggests that individuals from lower class positions may engage in criminal behavior as a means of achieving the societal goals of wealth and success when they lack the legitimate means to attain them. Cohen's theory of delinquent subcultures also highlights how individuals from lower class backgrounds may form subcultures that reject mainstream values and turn to criminal behavior as a way to gain status and respect within their own social groups. Miller's theory of focal concerns further emphasizes how individuals from lower class backgrounds may be socialized into adopting values and behaviors that are conducive to criminal activity. Anderson's code of the street theory also suggests that individuals in disadvantaged urban neighborhoods may turn to crime as a way to navigate the challenges and dangers of their environment.

If a broader definition of crime were to include more white-collar and corporate offenses, the profile of the typical criminal would likely shift to include individuals from higher class positions. This is because white-collar and corporate offenses are often associated with individuals in positions of power and privilege who have the means and opportunity to engage in such crimes. Including these offenses in the definition of crime would challenge the stereotype of the typical criminal as being from a lower class background and highlight the prevalence of criminal behavior across all social strata. It would also draw attention to the systemic inequalities and power dynamics that contribute to different forms of criminal behavior.

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The "typical street criminal" is often portrayed as a young, male from a lower social class, and belonging to a minority race or ethnicity. This pattern can be explained by a combination of social and economic factors.

Firstly, young individuals may be more likely to engage in criminal behavior due to factors such as peer pressure, lack of maturity, and impulsivity. Additionally, males may be more prone to criminal behavior due to societal expectations of masculinity and aggression.

Individuals from lower social classes may be more likely to turn to crime as a means of survival or to escape poverty. They may also have limited access to resources and opportunities, leading them to resort to criminal activities.

Furthermore, individuals from minority races or ethnicities may face systemic discrimination and inequality, which can contribute to their involvement in criminal behavior. This can be due to factors such as limited access to education, employment opportunities, and social support.

However, it is important to treat criminal statistics with caution for several reasons. Firstly, there may be biases in the criminal justice system, leading to overrepresentation of certain groups in crime statistics. Additionally, not all crimes are reported or prosecuted, leading to underrepresentation of certain types of criminal behavior. Furthermore, statistics may not capture the complexities of criminal behavior and the underlying factors that contribute to it. Therefore, it is important to consider the limitations of criminal statistics and to approach them with a critical perspective.

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Biological and psychological explanations of crime offer valuable insights into the potential factors that contribute to criminal behavior. From a biological perspective, researchers have identified genetic and neurological factors that may predispose individuals to criminal behavior. For example, studies have shown that certain genetic variations and abnormalities in brain structure and function may be linked to an increased likelihood of engaging in criminal activities. Similarly, psychological explanations focus on the role of individual personality traits, cognitive processes, and emotional disturbances in shaping criminal behavior. For instance, individuals with certain personality disorders or unresolved trauma may be more prone to criminal acts.

However, these explanations also have limitations. Biological determinism, the idea that genetics or brain structure alone can fully explain criminal behavior, oversimplifies the complex nature of crime. It fails to account for the influence of social and environmental factors, such as poverty, discrimination, and access to resources, which can also contribute to criminal behavior. Similarly, psychological explanations may overlook the impact of socialization, peer influence, and cultural norms on criminal conduct.

In contrast, a sociological approach to understanding crime offers a more comprehensive and nuanced perspective. Sociological theories emphasize the role of social structures, institutions, and power dynamics in shaping criminal behavior. For example, strain theory posits that individuals may turn to crime as a result of experiencing social and economic pressures, while social learning theory highlights the influence of peer groups and socialization processes on criminal behavior. By considering the broader social context in which crime occurs, sociological explanations provide a more holistic understanding of criminal behavior.

Furthermore, a sociological approach also recognizes the importance of addressing systemic inequalities and social injustices as a means of preventing and reducing crime. By focusing on the root causes of criminal behavior, such as poverty, lack of access to education, and discrimination, sociological perspectives offer valuable insights for developing effective crime prevention strategies and promoting social justice.

In conclusion, while biological and psychological explanations of crime offer valuable insights, they also have limitations in fully understanding the complex nature of criminal behavior. A sociological approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of crime by considering the influence of social structures and systemic inequalities. By addressing the broader social context in which crime occurs, sociological perspectives offer valuable insights for preventing and reducing criminal behavior.