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Sociological Theories and Gang Violence

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Sociological Theories and Gang Violence
SOCIALOGICAL THEORIES and GANG VIOLENCE

Abstract
The sociological analysis of gang membership explores the different types of effects that arise due to criminal involvement. Because of the social conflicts that are associated with gang membership, this paper will explore the different theories of social learning and both personal and control issues that relate to the recent surge in crime across Chicago. As we open the doors of a crime ridden society, the truth begins to unfold. It isn’t just the thought of helping, it is the action that remains the barrier between living a life of crime or a life that carries hope.

The number of violent encounters has readily declined, yet, violence has flooded the streets of Chicago, Illinois. In 2012 there were over five hundred murders committed in the city of Chicago alone (Lemmer, Bunsinger, & Lurigio, 2008). The desensitization of communities have become more apparent as the acceptance of gang activity has become part of the norm. Observation of vicarious behavior by other social groups suggest that the rationalization of choice is desired, so long as gangs conform bonds across city streets (Lilly,Cullen, & Ball, 2011). Predicting the future is not too far-fetched, when it comes to socialization. Many theorists suggest that society can’t afford acceptance of crime without accepting some responsibility. Resulting from the absence of internalized rules and regulations, criminal behavior is governed by the justice system (Lilly,Cullen, & Ball, 2011). Stepping deeper into the recent gang activities, that have prevailed in society within Chicago, former Gangster Disciple Harold Ward, speaks of the corruption among leaders in the city and their approval of the cartels from Mexico who have taken over their society as a whole (Pundit, 2013). Whether people agree or disagree, social disorganization among their neighborhoods is one of the dominant perspectives that defines criminalization of gang members. In



References: Akers, R. L. (1990). Rational Choice, Deterrence, and Social Learning Theory in Criminology: The Path Not Taken. The Journal Of Criminal Law And Criminology (1973-), (3), 653. doi:10.2307/1143850 Akers, R Borade, G., (2013) Theory of Social Control. Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/theory-of-social-control.html Chibnall, S Chibnall, S. H., & Abbruzzese, K. (2004). Risk and protective factors of child delinquency. Juvenile Justice - Causes and Correlates: Findings and Implications, IX(1), 30-31. Retrieved from https://www.ncjrs.gov/html/ojjdp/203555/jj5.html Dnes, A Lemmer, T. J., Bensinger, G. J., & Lurigio, A. J. (2008). An analysis of police responses to gangs in Chicago. Police Practice & Research, 9(5), 417-430. doi:10.1080/15614260801980836 Lilly, J L T Winfree Jr ; T Vigil-Backstrom ; G L Mays. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (n.d.). (NCJ 146456). Retrieved from website: https://www.ncjrs.gov/App/Publications/abstract.aspx?ID=146456 Prather, W., & Golden, J Reiss, D., Leve, L. D., & Neiderhiser, J. M. (2013). How Genes and the Social Environment Moderate Each Other. American Journal Of Public Health, 103(S1), S111-S121. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2013.301408 Rosenzweig, M Russell, B. (2006, November 30). Control theories of crime. Retrieved from http://www.drtomoconnor.com/1060/1060lect06b.htm "Social Control." International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences "Social Learning Perspective." International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 25 Oct. 2013 http://www.encyclopedia.com Thornberry, T Welch, M., Tittle, C., Yonkoski, J., Meidinger, N., & Grasmick, H. (2008). Social Integration, Self-control, and Conformity. Journal Of Quantitative Criminology, 24(1), 73-92. doi:10.1007/s10940-007-9039-x Wood, J Wyrick, P. A., & Howell, J. C. (2004). strategic risk-based response to youth gangs. Juvenile Justice - Causes and Correlates: Findings and Implications,IX(1), Retrieved from https://www.ncjrs.gov/html/ojjdp/203555/jj3.html

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