Chapter 8 The Meaning of Crime Social Structure

Sociological Theories Crime is a result of an individual’s location within the structure of

The Social Structure Perspective Crime is explained by reference to the institutional structure of

Ecological Theory The Chicago School of Criminology Park and Burgess – concentric city zones

Strain Theory Crime is adaptive, problem-solving behaviour. Modes of adaptation: 1. 2. 3. 4.

General Strain Theory Many factors influence whether someone will react to strain with crime:

Culture Conflict Theory Two types of culture conflict: 1. Primary conflict ► Fundamental clash

Subcultural Theory Emphasizes the contribution made by variously socialized cultural groups to crime. Focal

Violent Subcultures Violence is a learned form of adaptation to certain problematic life circumstances.

Differential Opportunity Two types of socially structured opportunities for success: 1. Legitimate opportunity structures

Reaction Formation The “middle-class measuring rod” Status-frustration Reaction formation Crime Copyright © 2008 Pearson

Gangs Today ► Over 300 street gangs identified in Canada § Approximately 11, 000

Policy Implications of Social Structure Theories ► The Chicago Area Project ► Mobilization for

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Sociological Theories Crime is a result of an individual’s location within the structure of society. Crime is the end product of various social processes, especially inappropriate socialization and social learning. Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 2

The Social Structure Perspective Crime is explained by reference to the institutional structure of society. ► The offender is a product of his social environment. ► Criminality is acquired behaviour. Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 3

General Strain Theory Many factors influence whether someone will react to strain with crime: § Temperament § Intelligence § Interpersonal skills § Self-efficacy § Association with criminal peers § Association with conventional social support Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 6

Culture Conflict Theory Two types of culture conflict: 1. Primary conflict ► Fundamental clash of cultures 2. Secondary conflict ► Clash of smaller cultures, within the primary culture Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 7

Subcultural Theory Emphasizes the contribution made by variously socialized cultural groups to crime. Focal Concerns trouble excitement toughness fate smartness autonomy Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 8

Violent Subcultures Violence is a learned form of adaptation to certain problematic life circumstances. For participants in violent subcultures, violence can be a way of life. Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 9

Differential Opportunity Two types of socially structured opportunities for success: 1. Legitimate opportunity structures 2. Illegitimate opportunity structures Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 10

Policy Implications of Social Structure Theories ► The Chicago Area Project ► Mobilization for Youth ► The Youth Violence Project: A Community Based Violence Prevention Project Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 13