theories on crime comparison
Theories on Crime Comparison
AJS 542
October 14, 2013
Professor Packer
Theories on Crime Comparison Every individual is different from the next. The same goes for crime. Society recognizes the multiple types of crimes that exist in society because of this, theorists identify different levels why these crimes exist.
This paper will provide information on sociological theory including the relationship between personality and criminal behavior according to sociological theory. Also, this paper will provide a comparison on each key elements on sociological theory, biological theory, and psychological theory. In addition, the paper will allow each reader to understand the philosophical basis for each theory.
Sociological Theory Sociological theory identifies different social factors that connects individuals to crime. According to Kaska and Neuman (2008), there are 4 parts of social theory starting with assumptions, concepts, relationships, and ending with units of analysis (p. 102). There are numerous reasons why crime exists in society. Not every individual who commits a crime has the same reasoning behind why he or she does so. Theorists research different aspects on each crime and the reasoning behind them. Social theory covers different social reasons behind crime, such as economic factors, social statuses, available education in different neighborhoods, and even availability of extracurricular activities. Williams III and McShane (2010) state, “without a social theory of community, crime theories risk reducing their focus to individuals without recognizing larger forces at work” (p. 58). Many times individuals see others as cliches by becoming a product of the environment he or she grew up in. When the economy fails, it plays a role in criminal activity in many ways. If a mother loses her job and lacks the finances to keep her child in diapers she may steal to provide for her child. If one grew up in a neighborhood
AJS 542
October 14, 2013
Professor Packer
Theories on Crime Comparison Every individual is different from the next. The same goes for crime. Society recognizes the multiple types of crimes that exist in society because of this, theorists identify different levels why these crimes exist.
This paper will provide information on sociological theory including the relationship between personality and criminal behavior according to sociological theory. Also, this paper will provide a comparison on each key elements on sociological theory, biological theory, and psychological theory. In addition, the paper will allow each reader to understand the philosophical basis for each theory.
Sociological Theory Sociological theory identifies different social factors that connects individuals to crime. According to Kaska and Neuman (2008), there are 4 parts of social theory starting with assumptions, concepts, relationships, and ending with units of analysis (p. 102). There are numerous reasons why crime exists in society. Not every individual who commits a crime has the same reasoning behind why he or she does so. Theorists research different aspects on each crime and the reasoning behind them. Social theory covers different social reasons behind crime, such as economic factors, social statuses, available education in different neighborhoods, and even availability of extracurricular activities. Williams III and McShane (2010) state, “without a social theory of community, crime theories risk reducing their focus to individuals without recognizing larger forces at work” (p. 58). Many times individuals see others as cliches by becoming a product of the environment he or she grew up in. When the economy fails, it plays a role in criminal activity in many ways. If a mother loses her job and lacks the finances to keep her child in diapers she may steal to provide for her child. If one grew up in a neighborhood
References: Cherry, K. (2013). Theories of Personalities. About.com. Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologystudyguide/a/personalitiesg_3.htm Kraska, P.B. & Neuman W.L. (2008). Criminal Justice and Criminology Research Methods. Boston, MA. Allyn and Bacon/Pearson. Williams III, F.P. & McShane, M.D. (2010). Criminological Theory. (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J. Pearson/Prentice Hall. Witt, J. (2009). Chapter Summary. McGraw-Hill. Retrieved from http://highered.mcgraw-hill. com/sites/0073528242/student_view0/chapter1/chapter_summary.html.