Organized Crime Research Paper

In the following paragraphs I intend to discuss and explain depth social organizations. I will further discuss and explain how social organizations apply to organized crime. Moreover, I will define each so that there is a better understanding of the material at hand. I will also discuss my opinion on what theory I think applies organized crime and criminal behavior.

What is social institution? A social institution can be described as a group or organization that ultimately has a goal, purpose, or task. Generally, social organizations have their under-ranking members carry out acts in order to obtain their objective. Examples of social institutions are schools, health care, religious institutions, family, political institutions, and economic.
It is my opinion, that many criminal organizations form in low poverty areas generally where their product they are selling can be predominant. Examples of criminal organizations could be La Costra Nostra, The Mexican Drug Cartel, and the Italian Mafia.
It is my opinion the strain and anomie theory are most applicable when applied to organized crime as well as criminal behavior. The strain and anomie theory theorizes that individuals who engage in illegal activities do so as a result of wanting the American dream. They only think about the materialistic things that they could acquire as a result of the crimes and not necessarily the consequences that proceed their actions. I general, most individuals try to cover their tracks and many believe they will not be caught because they are “careful”.

The differential association theory, in my opinion, also applies to organized crime and criminal behaviors. The differential theory can be defined as one 's social environment or group in which they associate with. An example would be a child growing up in a good home who later became associated with the wrong crowd and due to peer pressure become engaged in delinquency. The individuals who associate with these groups are at extremely high-risk to conform to the norm’s of the group in which they are trying to fit in
In general, you will see organized gangs prevail out of low-income areas. These neighborhoods are riddled with drug-addicts and drug sellers. Prostitution is usually something the locals consider the normal. When I think of this theory, I picture a youth boy from a one parent home who is bullied and longing to feel love from a male. He finds himself hanging out with local gang bangers and ultimately conforms and does whatever they ask in order to be a member of their group. It is rather scary to learn what they endure in order to be accepted into these