Describe the social roots of crime. Historically, what sociological factors were seen as important correlates to human behavior?Why do Lilly et al. title the third chapter of their text “Rejecting Individualism”?Social Disorganization and Anomie theories are often termed social structural theories. Why are they classified as such? What is the difference between Social Disorganization theory and Anomie theory? How are they similar?How does Agnew’s General Strain Theory differ from early versions of Merton’s Anomie/Strain theory?Evaluate the status of the empirical research around Agnew’s General Strain Theory and Messner and Rosenfeld’s Institutional Anomie Theory. Share on Facebook Tweet Follow us Sample Answer The Social Roots of Crime: A Sociological Perspective Historical Context and Sociological Factors: Historically, sociologists have long recognized the social roots of crime, moving away from purely individualistic explanations. Key sociological factors seen as important correlates to human behavior include: Social Class: Early criminologists like Adolphe Quetelet and Emile Durkheim observed that crime rates were higher in lower socioeconomic strata. This led to the development of theories like Social Disorganization Theory , which links crime to the breakdown of social institutions and norms in impoverished neighborhoods. Social Structure: Sociologists emphasize how social structures, such as inequality, poverty, and lack of opportunity, influence individual behavior. The concept of anomie , coined by Durkheim, refers to a state of normlessness where social bonds weaken, and individuals feel disconnected from society. Cultural Norms: Criminal behavior can be influenced by cultural norms, values, and beliefs. Subcultures, particularly those associated with gangs and criminal organizations, can normalize and even glorify criminal activities. Full Answer Section Social Control: The strength of social bonds and the effectiveness of social control mechanisms, such as law enforcement, education, and family, can significantly impact crime rates. Rejecting Individualism: Lilly et al. title their third chapter “Rejecting Individualism” because they challenge the traditional focus on individual factors in criminology. They argue that focusing solely on individual characteristics like personality traits or biological factors ignores the broader social forces that contribute to criminal behavior. This chapter emphasizes the sociological perspective, highlighting how social structures and inequalities play a crucial role in crime causation. Social Structural Theories: Social Disorganization and Anomie theories are classified as social structural theories because they emphasize how the structure of society, particularly its social institutions and social organization, influences crime rates. They focus on the role of factors like: Neighborhood Conditions: Social Disorganization Theory emphasizes the impact of poverty, residential instability, and lack of community cohesion on crime rates. Social Norms and Values: Anomie Theory argues that a lack of social norms and clear values leads to a state of normlessness, where individuals are more likely to engage in deviant behavior. Distinguishing Social Disorganization and Anomie Theories: Social Disorganization Theory: Focuses on the breakdown of social institutions and community structures, leading to a lack of social control and increased crime rates. Anomie Theory: Argues that a mismatch between societal goals and the means to achieve them leads to a sense of strain and anomie, increasing the likelihood of deviance and crime. Similarities: Both theories share a focus on the macro-level factors that contribute to crime. They emphasize the role of social structures, institutions, and norms in shaping individual behavior and crime rates. Agnew’s General Strain Theory: Agnew’s General Strain Theory expands on Merton’s Anomie Theory by proposing that strain can arise from various sources, including: Failure to achieve positively valued goals: This aligns with Merton’s original concept of strain. Removal of positively valued stimuli: This refers to the loss of something valued, such as a job, relationship, or status, leading to frustration and anger. Presentation of negative stimuli: This includes experiencing negative events such as abuse, bullying, or discrimination, which can lead to anger and resentment. Empirical Research: Agnew’s General Strain Theory: There is significant empirical support for Agnew’s theory. Studies have found that various forms of strain, including those related to goals, loss, and negative stimuli, are positively correlated with crime. Messner and Rosenfeld’s Institutional Anomie Theory: This theory argues that the American Dream, with its emphasis on individual achievement and material success, leads to a culture of anomie, promoting crime. While the theory has garnered support, research findings are mixed, suggesting that the relationship between the American Dream and crime is complex and influenced by other factors. Conclusion: Social structural theories offer valuable insights into the roots of crime, challenging individualistic explanations. While research continues to refine and expand upon these theories, they provide a crucial framework for understanding how social conditions, inequalities, and cultural factors contribute to criminal behavior. Addressing these social issues is crucial for promoting social justice and reducing crime rates. This question has been answered. Get Answer
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