Sociological Theories of Crime

 Sociological Theories of Crime

Various theories explain the criminal behaviors among individuals in societies. Scholars have used different concepts to illustrate the occurrence and drive to criminal acts. Such approaches include the Merton’s Theory of Anomie, Robert Agnew’s General Strain Theory, Cohen’s Lower-Class Reaction Theory, Emile Durkheim Sociological Theory, and Cloward and Ohlin’s Differential Opportunity Theory. These theories attempt to describe how society influences individuals to crime. Also, the course has expounded on the various aspects that have reinforced the belief that people learn criminal behaviors from the people around them.

Analyze the sociological theories presented in this unit

According to Durkheim, crime is not only reasonable in our societies but also necessary. In his approach, Durkheim maintains that it is through crime and criminal activities that laws that govern criminal behaviors can evolve. The evolution of society in this sense can get achieved when every individual can express themselves irrespective of their actions, and this will ensure that the whole community is a reality. On the other hand, Merton argues that anomie does not result from unregulated goals but from broken relationships between the cultural goals and the legitimate processes to access them. According to the theory, it is through the illegitimate means of acquisition of aesthetic goals that result in criminal activities. Merton’s theory can get associated with Robert Agnew’s General Strain Theory that illustrates that it is the society that puts pressure on individuals to accomplish socially accepted goals like the American Dream. However, they lack the means, and this makes them resort to criminal activities.

Cohen’s theory, on the other hand, seeks to establish the appropriate measures to help avert criminal practices. Cohen proposes the establishment of good criminal policies that will translate to ethical, social frameworks to help eradicate the criminal activities within societies. Cohen also believes that most of the criminal activities that occur within communities are a result of the differences in the social classes characterized by inequality in the distribution of resources. Moreover, the Cloward and Ohlin’s Differential Opportunity concept illustrate that crimes emanate from the numerous illegitimate activities and not from the legitimate ones. The theory has its focus on addressing juvenile delinquency.

Ranking the Five Theories

Depended on the societal needs and the enhancements of the criminal activities in different communities all over the world, I believe the most effective approach of the five is Robert Agnew’s General Strain Theory. I rank this theory first because it addresses the primary cause of crimes within the society, that is, the societal pressure that may encourage people to get involves in crime to realize societal goals. Merton’s Theory of Anomie is the second in my list. The theory is vital since it seeks to eradicate the illegitimate processes used to accomplish societal goals. The third is Cohen’s theory that intends to establish the policies that will help prevent criminal activities in the society. Fourth is the Cloward and Ohlin’s Differential Opportunity that illustrate that most of the illegal activities arise from unlawful activities. Thus legitimate processes should get encouraged individuals to help avoid crime. Last in the list is Emile Durkheim Sociological Theory that sees crime to be reasonable within the society as an element to establish corrective measures. I believe the concept encourages crime as some of the harm is done cannot get corrected with the development of subsequent laws and thus will have limited help in my community.

Robert Agnew’s General Strain Theory is the concept I trust will benefit my society the most. According, Agnew (2007), the community puts much pressure on its members in a bid to achieve the societal or cultural goals. Agnew illustrates that strain often results in a negative emotion that may cause most of the youths to get involved in negative behaviors. Moreover, Agnew, R., Rebellon, C. J., & Thaxton, S. (2000) illustrate that the approach is the most significant contributor to criminal activities. It results in various strains on failures within the community and amongst individuals such as the failure to achieve valued goals like money and status in the city and stimulate the practices such as physical abuse in an attempt to acquire the positive values, an aspect that causes crime.

On the other hand, some individuals believe that criminal pressure has limited on criminal events within society. Froggio (2007), associates the illegal activities to the use of drugs and not necessarily the pressure from the community. The source has its interest in the delinquent adaptations that include escapists like drug use. On the other hand, Polizzi (2011) associates the crime in society to copying behaviors of the youth due to their limited legitimate resources, influence from their peers, and also their inability to handle stress and frustrating environments. Such pressures are not necessarily a societal requirement, but some individuals get into the influences they can avoid not to get involved in crime.