Social Theory of Crime
Kubrin (n.d.) claimed in the Criminal Behavior video that "sociological theories differ from psychological theories because they move beyond the biological and genetic aspects of intelligence." This may be true in some cases but ultimately incomplete. Sociological theories are useful models to illustrate possible causality of crime but do little in affecting the management of this crime. This essay will further explain the limitiations of socialogical theories and how they can explain crime.
The dividing line in our brains manifests in society as well. In our heads two sections of the brain work together in order to process information and provide feedback. The right side of our brain is more feminine and focuses on the dreamy aspects of life where art and creativity are created. The left side of our brains is more male dominated and creates strict boundaries in which humans may model their behavior after. Like our brains, society is divided into similar segments.
Consensus theories in sociological criminal studies refer to the society or environmental factors that caused the person to act in a criminal way. Life course theories, much like left brain thinking, attempts to identify patterns or paths that attempt to frame crime in personal choices and individual action.
Like our brains, neither side is entirely correct. Silver & Miller (2004) described neighborhoods in Chicago as direct causes of criminal behavior in that neighborhood. The concluded in their report that "efforts to increase informal social control in urban neighborhoods should focus on improving police-community relations and local conditions that would lead residents to develop stronger attachments to their neighborhoods." Their opinion does have merit but it is limited
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