1. Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 8- 1 The Meaning of Crime: Social Structure Perspective Chapter 8

2. Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 8 -2 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.

3. Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 8 -3 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.

4. Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 8 -4 Ecological Theory The Chicago School of Criminology Park and Burgess – concentric city zones Society has a major influence on behaviour.

5. Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 8 -5 Strain Theory Crime is adaptive, problem-solving behaviour. Modes of adaptation: 1.Conformity 2.Innovation 3.Ritualism 4.Retreatism 5.Rebellion

6. Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 8 -6 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

7. Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 8 -7 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

8. Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 8 -8 Subcultural Theory Emphasizes the contribution made by variously socialized cultural groups to crime. Focal Concerns troubleexcitement toughnessfate smartness autonomy

9. Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 8 -9 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.

10. Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 8 -10 Differential Opportunity Two types of socially structured opportunities for success: 1.Legitimate opportunity structures 2.Illegitimate opportunity structures

11. Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 8 -11 Reaction Formation The “middle-class measuring rod” Status-frustration Reaction formation Crime

12. Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 8 -12 Gangs Today ► Over 300 street gangs identified in Canada  Approximately 11,000 gang members ► More violent ► More involved with drugs

13. Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc. 8 -13 Policy Implications of Social Structure Theories ► The Chicago Area Project ► Mobilization for Youth ► The Youth Violence Project: A Community Based Violence Prevention Project