Criminology
Criminology
Introduction
To some criminologists, an individual's relationship to the critical elements of the social process is a key to understanding the onset and continuation of criminal behaviors. Criminality is function of individual socialization and the interactions people have with various organizations, institutions and processes of society. (Siegel 2007) Family relationships, peer group associations, educational experiences, and interaction with authority figures (e.g. teachers, employers, agents of criminal justice system) If these relationships are positive and supportive people can succeed within the rules of society if they're dysfunctional and destructive conventional success may be impossible; criminal solutions may become a feasible alternative. This view of crime is known as social process theory. (Schegal 1998)
Discussion
Most people living in disorganized areas are NOT criminals. Self-report studies indicate that MANY members of the privileged classes engage in theft, drug use and other crimes. 30 million Americans live below the poverty line. Yet most do not commit crimes even with a economic motivation to do so. Relatively few delinquent offenders living in socially disorganized areas become chronic offenders.
Social psychological processes and interactions common to people at all segments of the social structure. SST All share one basic concept: all people, regardless of their race, class, gender, have the potential to become delinquents or criminals. Although lower classes have additional burdens, poverty, racism, poor schools, disrupted family lives,
Social learning theory - people learn the techniques and attitudes of crime from close and intimate relationships with criminal peers; crime is a learned behavior
People are born good and learn to be bad
Social control theory - everyone has the potential to become a criminal but that most people ...