Articles That Focus On The Various Theories

Articles That Focus On The Various Theories

Table of Contents

Order ID# 45178248544XXTG457	Plagiarism Level: 0-0.5%	Writer Classification: PhD competent
Style: APA/MLA/Harvard/Chicago	Delivery: Minimum 3 Hours	Revision: Permitted
Sources: 4-6	Course Level: Masters/University College	Guarantee Status: 96-99%

Instructions

Articles That Focus On The Various Theories

Topic: crmj518 – week 2

Paper details: This week you are asked to read a variety of articles that focus on the various theories used to explain deviant behavior. It is not possible to have you read up on each and every theory that attempts to understand human behavior and the variables that influence. A course on criminological theory will offer the opportunity for these studies more in depth. Here however we must be aware of the general theories of crime that stem mostly from three different areas: sociology, psychology, and biology. The Sociological Perspective From here many theories are developed including strain theory and other social structural theories that look to one’s environment and the variations within to explain behavior. Not to be discounted here as well is ecological theory – which you read about somewhat last week. These theories posit that there are situations that affect behavior – despite the individual characteristics of the people within these situations (Vold et al., 1998). The idea here is that the impact of such variables like social class and poverty levels, neighborhood inequality, unemployment, presence of gangs in communities, single parent families, criminal opportunities, public schools with poor school achievement records, etc. – these variables are thought to be so strong that they may influence a person to engage in deviant behavior. Osgood et al.(1996) and Bernburg and Thorlindsson (2001) study the relationship between unsupervised and unstructured interaction with peers and the propensity to engage in deviant behavior. Both researchers found support for a positive relationship: the more unsupervised time one spends with peers, the more likely they will engage in deviant behavior. Keep in mind always that while many variables are thought to be correlated with deviance and perhaps significantly related to the likelihood that one will become involved in deviant behavior or crime; they are not determinative. Social Disorganization Theory – this theory posits that crime in any community is directly related to the environmental pressures that exist in those areas. Important variables with this theoretical framework include poverty, social disorganization (breakdown of school and families), lack of social controls (like family), and transmission of criminal tendencies passed down within families (through siblings and perhaps parents) (Gaines & Miller, 2017). Strain Theory- This theory posits that for the poor, the desire to rise above poverty and to fair better than their parents and those around them is strong. Theorists note that while the desire to ‘do well’ in life is universal for the most part; the means to achieve one’s goals are not universally available for all people. The frustration one can feel when they have tried hard to ‘do well’ and they continue to lead to “strain” and anger. Crime may occur as a result of this strain as those living in poor neighborhoods try to take what they want from others to gain what they feel they deserve. Conflict Theory – Conflict theorists believe that most criminal activity can be explained by the disparity in socioeconomics. It is believed the laws favor the wealthy and are in place to keep the impoverished people of society in their place. These theorists see non violent crime committed out of need and violent crime committed out of frustration. Like strain theory, conflict focuses on the frustration people feel when they cannot achieve all that they want. Psychological Perspective or Individual Differences View Proponents of this view posit that an individual’s personal characteristics are really what drives decision making and decisions to engage (or not) in deviance. When we look at some of the reading assigned this week we are left wondering what is it actually that causes people to engage in deviance and in criminal behavior? Do people really have free will and do they make rational choices given the options in front of them? Variables such as education level, race, gender, intelligence, and personal attitudes and personalities may influence one’s likelihood to engage in certain behaviors. Again, these behaviors are not determinative. In fact, most will not engage in crime or deviance – but the likelihood may rise depending on how one measures on these (and other) variables (Vold et al., 1998). Rational Choice Theory – This theory contends that all crime is rational. This theory believes fully that individuals choose to commit crime of their own free will and therefore should be punished for it. Trait theories – Trait theories point to biological or psychological traits that could make some more inclined to commit crime; or perhaps predisposed to commit crime. Keep in mind that psychology related more to how a person’s mind works and processes information. Biology can refer to any number of things (see below). Biological Perspective Some theories posit that behavior is at least to some extent influenced by genetic and biological variables. Variables such as neurotransmitter imbalances like having low serotonin, hormone imbalances such as increased testosterone, or central nervous system variations might impact one’s likelihood of engaging in deviant and criminal behavior (Vold et al., 1998, p. 320). When researchers have looked at the incarcerated population, testing has revealed that they have a higher than average testosterone level (Gaines & Miller, 2017). Still these theoretical perspectives and associated variables can be hard to sort out. One of your assigned readings this week points to the influence of self-control and the authors note that some kids can be repeatedly exposed to antisocial behavior without it negatively affecting their own behavior. They posit that some children appear to have more self-control than others (Gardner et al., 2008). Is this genetic or just an individual difference? Is it learned through observing parents or peers? I cannot say. The findings are interesting because they suggests that perhaps all of these perspectives are working together in a more integrated way than we have yet to realize. Although most criminologists would agree that it is likely a combination of variables and theories that need be used to understand deviant behavior. The combination is likely slightly different for each person and thelryre is no exact formula.

RUBRIC
Excellent Quality 95-100%	Introduction 45-41 points The background and significance of the problem and a clear statement of the research purpose is provided. The search history is mentioned.		Literature Support 91-84  points The background and significance of the problem and a clear statement of the research purpose is provided. The search history is mentioned.			Methodology 58-53 points Content is well-organized with headings for each slide and bulleted lists to group related material as needed. Use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. to enhance readability and presentation content is excellent. Length requirements of 10 slides/pages or less is met.
Average Score 50-85%	40-38 points More depth/detail for the background and significance is needed, or the research detail is not clear. No search history information is provided.		83-76  points Review of relevant theoretical literature is evident, but there is little integration of studies into concepts related to problem. Review is partially focused and organized. Supporting and opposing research are included. Summary of information presented is included. Conclusion may not contain a biblical integration.			52-49  points Content is somewhat organized, but no structure is apparent. The use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. is occasionally detracting to the presentation content. Length requirements may not be met.
Poor Quality 0-45%	37-1 points The background and/or significance are missing. No search history information is provided.		75-1 points Review of relevant theoretical literature is evident, but there is no integration of studies into concepts related to problem. Review is partially focused and organized. Supporting and opposing research are not included in the summary of information presented. Conclusion does not contain a biblical integration.			48-1 points There is no clear or logical organizational structure. No logical sequence is apparent. The use of font, color, graphics, effects etc. is often detracting to the presentation content. Length requirements may not be met
You Can Also Place the Order at www.perfectacademic.com/orders/ordernow or www.crucialessay.com/orders/ordernow Articles That Focus On The Various Theories

Articles That Focus On The Various Theories

PLACE THE ORDER WITH US TODAY AND GET A PERFECT SCORE!!!