Sociologists and criminologists have studied trends amongst individuals and their familes, as well as their environments, to determine what can be attributed to causing people to commit crime. These theories differ vastly, from assuming an entire environmental cause, to a genetic disposition, to a a desire to achieve more than is realistically plausible. The causes of crime are difficult to narrow down and say with complete confidence that this is the reason, but the studies have many times spanned much more than a glances worth of time in order to investigate the causes. I chose to look into two specific theories which I find to be the most interesting as well as the most realistic; culture conflict theory and strain theory – two theories
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Similarly, strain theory states that “a disjuncture between socially and subculturally sanctioned means and goals [are] the cause of criminal behavior” (Schmalleger, 2012). It is clear just by their definitions that these two theories focus on a discrepancy between what is realistic and what is dreamed of being accomplished. It is this difference between feasible goals and expectations and what is expected or possible in a given ecological environment that breeds crime, according to these theories. Also similarly, both of these theories focus on adaptive behavior in response to environmental conditions which are less than ideal. In strain theory, this adaptation is attempting to meet goals which are mutual amongst peers but by different means, whereas in culture conflict theory, this adaptation is seen when one feels the need to meet societal expectations which may differ from that individual’s plan. In essence, both goals seek to accomplish a task without having the same way to get there as their peers; this inability to achieve what is expected is a driving factor behind crime, and is a key component in both …show more content…
The upper class region may be disappointed or even appalled by the social customs of those in the lower class region, and the angst that arises from this situation combined with the desires for the lower class party to be more respected or even more integrated in the upper class party results in crime. Strain theory differs in this regard, as the theory focuses more on an individual attempting to reach the same goals as others in their society while not having the same means to get there. The desire to achieve goals without the education or work ethic that others may have can push an individual to crime, as while the path to success may be different, they view the end goal as having the same merit, and thus will incorporate them into greater society. The big difference between these theories is seen here; culture conflict theory emphasizes class differences and different understandings of what is acceptable, whereas strain theory emphasizes similarities over differences, and the differences are found in the achieving the same goals. Difference and similarity are the key words here, each holding importance within its respective theory and is a good indicator of the problems in society that are to thank for driving
Similarly, strain theory states that “a disjuncture between socially and subculturally sanctioned means and goals [are] the cause of criminal behavior” (Schmalleger, 2012). It is clear just by their definitions that these two theories focus on a discrepancy between what is realistic and what is dreamed of being accomplished. It is this difference between feasible goals and expectations and what is expected or possible in a given ecological environment that breeds crime, according to these theories. Also similarly, both of these theories focus on adaptive behavior in response to environmental conditions which are less than ideal. In strain theory, this adaptation is attempting to meet goals which are mutual amongst peers but by different means, whereas in culture conflict theory, this adaptation is seen when one feels the need to meet societal expectations which may differ from that individual’s plan. In essence, both goals seek to accomplish a task without having the same way to get there as their peers; this inability to achieve what is expected is a driving factor behind crime, and is a key component in both …show more content…
The upper class region may be disappointed or even appalled by the social customs of those in the lower class region, and the angst that arises from this situation combined with the desires for the lower class party to be more respected or even more integrated in the upper class party results in crime. Strain theory differs in this regard, as the theory focuses more on an individual attempting to reach the same goals as others in their society while not having the same means to get there. The desire to achieve goals without the education or work ethic that others may have can push an individual to crime, as while the path to success may be different, they view the end goal as having the same merit, and thus will incorporate them into greater society. The big difference between these theories is seen here; culture conflict theory emphasizes class differences and different understandings of what is acceptable, whereas strain theory emphasizes similarities over differences, and the differences are found in the achieving the same goals. Difference and similarity are the key words here, each holding importance within its respective theory and is a good indicator of the problems in society that are to thank for driving