Explanations of Criminal Behavior Unit 1 / 3-5

Cultural Deviance Theory Crime results from values that permit, or even demand, behavior in violation of the law

Anomie Emile Durkheim - A social condition in which norms are uncertain or lacking normalness.

Strain Theory Robert Merton - A gap exists between culturally approved goals and the legitimate means of achieving them. This causes frustration, leading to criminal behavior. Money made illegally spends the same as money made legally.

Ways people adapt to anomie Conformity Innovation Ritualism Retreatism Rebellion

Conformity Accept society’s goals and means to achieve the goals.

Innovation Accept goals of society but reject the proper ways, or are not capable, to achieve the goals. This leads to deviant and criminal behavior.

Ritualism Reject society’s goals and accept means. Low level of criminal behavior Ex: The middle class casual drug user.

Retreatism Reject society’s goals and means. Attempt to escape their lack of success by withdrawing either mentally or physically. Ex. Outcasts, vagrants, chronic drunkards, and drug addicts.

Rebellion Substitute an alternative set of goals and means for conventional ones. May be a reaction against corrupt, or hated government.

Cultural Deviance Theories Crime arises from cultural values which permit, or even demand, behavior that is in violation of the law. Criminals conform to norms that deviate from those of the dominant middle class of American Society

Three major Cultural Deviance Theories Social disorganization theory Culture conflict theory Differential association theory

Social disorganization theory Deviant behavior is more likely in communities where social institutions such as the family, schools, and criminal justice system fail to exert control over the population.

Culture (or Social) Conflict Theory Criminal behavior is a result of the different norms and values of the different classes in our society. The norms or values of some groups may conflict with those of the general society.

Differential Association The result of contact with others with antisocial attitudes, values, and criminal frustrations. You learn your behavior from those you associate with the most.

Subculture Theories The ultimate outcome of social disorganization and cultural deviance is the development of an independent, typically lower-class subculture. The norms of a subculture may conflict with the norms of society, resulting in criminal behavior.

Cohen’s Delinquent Subculture Theory Delinquent behavior of lower-class youths is actually a protest against the norms and values of middle- class U.S. culture. Does this lead to street gangs?

Differential Opportunity Theory Illegal opportunities, like legitimate opportunities, are unequally distributed among classes in society. Do lower class youths have more illegal opportunities than middle class youths? (ex: gangs)

Subculture of Violence A subculture that has a potent theme of violence influencing the life-style, the socialization process, and interpersonal relationships. The normal way to settle conflicts and dilemmas is through violence. Sometimes people are rewarded for their violence.