Theoretical dimensions involving criminal behavior Research Paper

Theoretical dimensions involving criminal behavior - Research Paper ExampleCultural norms atomic number 18 actions and practices that are well-accepted in society, while deviant actions are those that are not acceptable. All forms of crime are considered deviant. It is not acceptable for a person to ruin into the house of someone else and take everything. It is not acceptable for a person to randomly kill another person. Thus, deviants, most especially, criminals, need to be punished in order for them to be accepted again into society. Theories on Criminal Behavior One of the sociological theories that were applied to criminal behavior was Durkheims concept of anomy. anomie is the mismatch between a persons (or a groups) beliefs and that of the majority. When a feeling of anomie make ups, then the two groups can not exist in the presence of the other. One has to give way, usually, the smaller group adapting the norms of the larger group. When the smaller group decides to continue going against the norms, then conflict would occur. The concept of anomie was used by Robert King Merton and other sociologists to develop what they refer to as the Strain Theory. The strain theory states that social structures and norms within society may stuff citizens to commit crime. It follows Durkheims study of anomie and suicide. He believed that a person commits suicide due to a feeling of insignificance and alienation. Merton used Durkheims views to further exempt deviance and criminal behavior. ... et of social relationships in which members of the society or group are variously implicated. Anomie, the state of normlessness, arises when there is an acute disjunction between the cultural norms and goals and the socially structured capacities of members of the group to act in accord with them. (Merton, 1968) Merton then links all the three concepts and believes that discontinuities between culture and structure acquire deviance. acknowledgment Wikipedia.org If Mertons theory would be applied to the social context at present, an example we can use is the common belief that crimes increase in propagation of economic crisis. People have certain cultural practices, and these practices are supported by the structure (government and economy). Once the structure breaks down, like in an economic crisis, the heap would have to adjust their practices. Those who cannot adjust to the new structure, or those who does not want to adjust, tend to do crimes. Its like a person who steals money from the situate so that he or she can buy food and other basic needs. Robert Agnew further explained Mertons theory, believing that a theory should not be tied to social class or culture. He popularized the general strain theory, which focused more on an individuals immediate social environment. He argued that an individuals actual or anticipated failure to achieve positively valued goals, actual or anticipated removal of positively valued behavior, and actual or antici pated presentation of negative behavior all result in strain. For example, if an individual fails to get the kind of attention that he or she expects from others, then that would cause that individual to feel bad about other people. These situations are more common among children, and if this kind of feeling builds up, then