THEORIEOS OF DEVIENCE AND FREEDOM WRITTERS

Differential Association Theory is a theory which explains that for an individual to fit within a set of societal norms and principles they have to symbolically interact with the other groups who are either role model, or significant others. Leading them in the right direction of the societal laws and principles or making them break the rules enshrined within the societal set up (Sutherland, 1978). The theory suggests that the ideas and attitudes which lead to breaking of the laws always result from negative peer influence. In the film The Freedom Writer Diary teacher Erin Gruwell who the film is based on, is an example of a differential theory in that she motivates her students, and one of his student Marcus gets transformed through her teacher’s dedication. Another example appears when Eva is inspired through teacher Gruwell’s quote that “within their small way can turn a small light in a dark room” (LaGravenese, 2007), thus making her speak the truth at the courtroom despite her father’s refusal. Consequently, Mrs. Gruwell’s teaching enthusiasm arrives from Mrs. Margaret Campbell, who is a departmental chair making Mrs. Gruwell fit within a set of teaching risky students who some of them are members of gangsters.

Control bond theory, it is a type of deviance theory which resist the forces of deviating from the societal laws and principles. The theory is categorized into intuitive control and the outer control whereby the inner power includes the values of choosing the right from wrong, fear of punishment, honesty, and use of the right conscience (Reckless, 1973). Nevertheless, the theory is also built in the logic of strong and weak bonds whereby strong relationships are tied to the family hence making an individual less likely to commit crimes. Contrary to weak or broken friendships, which can lead the individual into a deviant act. Equally, the theory expands its connection through; beliefs, attachments, commitments, and involvements, which closely connect the individuals with their societal setup.

The best example from the theory is the acceptance speech that Eva produce in the court as a witness to testify that, indeed, Sandy’s boyfriend was shot by Paco in the storeroom. Secondly, Mrs. Gruell chooses to gain more money from working on an extra job to obtain more composition diary books for his students without sorting to stealing hence a proper example for control bond theory. The third example prevailed in the film through Mrs. Gruwell, and her husband Patrick is a well-set example for control body theory where the two decide on the right decision for the sake of Mrs. Gruell’s dedication to mentor her students.

Labeling theory, the theory is reflected through self-fulfilling prophecy as it suggests that the certain levels given to the people within the society define their characters and personality. The approach works within the confines of neutralization techniques in that individuals within the community always rationalize or neutralize their behaviors to deflect the societal norms. Through labeling, people tend to deny injury, victim, and responsibility through excuses, appeal to, and higher loyalties and condemn the condemners. A well-set example of this theory is the denial made by Paco after shooting Sindy’s girlfriend. Eva, on the other side, is labeled as honest through her teacher Mrs. Gruell and applies her state of honesty during her call as a witness in the court for Sindy’s boyfriend madder. She stands for the truth hence a connection with the labeling theory.

Strain theory, the theory applies the logic of the functionalist perspective, through the term anomie. The theory explains that for an individual to gain a state of wealth, which is known as the educational goal, that given individual must have reached the so-called standardized means, for instance, through hard work or any other legal means of attaining once goal and objective. The theory, however, further explains that some individuals within the society might desire the cultural goals. Yet, they are not ready to work hard as the conformist; thus, they use the illegitimate means of acquiring material wealth and possessions. The theorist in his explanation suggests some responses to anomie like the innovation of those who use the illegal means to get what they want, either through drug selling or prostitution, rebellion, retreatism, and ritualism. The best example is that of Paco, who ventures into an Arcade game and aims at killing Grant after Grants demand a refund of the money. Consequently, the theory is a well-set example of Mrs. Gruell, who, by all means, search for her cultural goal through the reliable way by taking two jobs to satisfy her set goals of purchasing a diary book for her class.

Rational Choice theory, the theory principles are tailored to the risk and rewards. For instance, the theorist suggests that since human beings are always faced with decision-making processes, they have to weigh to make the right decisions that are logically and rationally right. The first example is that which is taken by Mrs. Gruell to teach and transform a risky class of gangsters and racist students she quotes “within their small way can turn a small light in a dark room” (LaGravenese, 2007). Another example is Patrick Mrs. Gruell’s, who risk divorcing Mrs. Gruell because of her intense dedication towards her student more than she does in their marriage. The third example is that of Eva, who risk testifying that Paco killed Sindy’s boyfriend despite her security status to survive within Paco’s unsafe environment.

References

LaGravenese, R. (Director). (2007). Freedom Writers Diary [Motion Picture].

Reckless, W. C. (1973). Walter C Reckless: The crime problem. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.

Sutherland, E. H. (1978). Criminology. New York: Lippincott.