Today, we live in an environment where crime is more prevalent than ever before. We have seen increases in criminal behavior in the newspaper, news media, and even firsthand. The government is unsure what causes people to commit criminal acts, but it is likely that it leads to criminal behavior. The sociological theory of society has developed questionnaires and data on how individuals become involved in crime as a result of their social position, knowledge, emotions, and economic class.
Social structure theory is the most dominant theory in explaining crime and criminal activity. Criminologists have found that people from all social backgrounds are likely to engage in crime, but some are more likely than others. The social structure theory focuses on poverty and inequality as the main reasons why people commit crimes. This theory suggests that people who live in poverty or lack adequate resources are more likely to engage in criminal activity because they feel that they have nothing to lose.
People who live in poverty often turn to crime as a way to make money or get what they need. The social structure theory has been criticised for focusing too much on economic factors and not considering other factors that may contribute to crime. However, this theory is still the most widely used theory in criminology and is supported by a large body of research.
The social structure theory has had a significant impact on the way we understand crime. This theory has helped us to understand the link between poverty and crime and has provided a way to explain why some people are more likely to engage in criminal activity than others. The social structure theory is an important part of criminology and will continue to be used to help us understand crime and criminal behaviour.
According to social structure theory, poverty is a major cause of crime. (Inchaustegui, Shanali) The social structure theory comprises three varieties of theories: social disorganization theory, strain theory, and culture conflict theory.
The notion that crime occurs in areas with a lack of social cohesion and institutional control is known as social disorganization theory. (Inchaustegui, Shanali) Culture conflict theory holds that crime is caused by the strain or stress imposed on individuals by society. According to strain theory, crime happens when people are put under too much strain.
The social structure theory has been critiqued for its failure to explain why some people from disadvantaged backgrounds do not turn to crime, and for its focus on economic class as the primary cause of crime. However, the theory remains a valuable tool for understanding the link between socioeconomic status and crime.
The first hypothesis provides us data with the help of statistics demonstrating that Chicago contains a number of crime-influencing areas. The regions are split up and labeled concentric zones, which analysis of data shows to have the greatest criminal activity.
Then, moving further away from the center of the city, the rates start to drop as we enter what is called the “commuter’s zone” or Zone III. The last area, which is farthest from the center of Chicago, is called the suburban ring or Zone IV and has the lowest rates of crime.
Even though this theory was created with data based on Chicago’s social structure, it can still be used to study other areas and their social structures. It helps us understand how different aspects of society, like where people live and work, can affect crime rates.
The second theory is more recent and was developed by sociologist Robert Merton. It’s called strain theory and it explains how people may turn to crime when they can’t achieve their goals in legitimate ways. Merton believed that everyone has the same goals, like wealth and success, but not everyone has the same means to achieve them. People who don’t have the same means may turn to criminal activity as a way to get what they want.
Merton’s theory has been used to explain why some people turn to crime even when they know it’s wrong. It can help us understand why people engage in criminal activity and how we can prevent it.
Both social structure theories are important in the study of criminology and can help us better understand crime and how to prevent it.
Children are not allowed to make meaningful decisions because of the varying lifestyles and values, resulting in the involvement in criminal acts by individuals who grew up in street culture, which resulted in them becoming financially successful people within their communities. (Siegel, Larry J.) Kids are surrounded by criminals and join deviant gangs where they seek support by recruiting others to follow their criminal lifestyle.
Social structure theories have been used to explain crime rates among different social classes. Criminologists have found that people of lower socioeconomic status are more likely to engage in criminal activity than those of higher socioeconomic status.
One reason for this is that people of lower socioeconomic status tend to live in areas with high levels of crime. This means that they are more likely to be exposed to criminal activity and be influenced by it. Another reason for this is that people of lower socioeconomic status often have fewer opportunities than those of higher socioeconomic status. This can lead to desperation and a feeling of hopelessness, which can lead to criminal activity.
People of all classes can have comparable objectives, but owing to a lack of education and resources, some people may be unable to achieve them. It’s possible that because they were influenced by the individuals they grew up with or were surrounded by as well as the neighborhood in which they dwelled, they may have begun their criminal careers.
Adolescents witness the way they live and how others around them behave, which may lead to early indications of criminal behavior. The social environments that exist around people influence how they perceive the world and themselves, therefore it’s crucial to understand when attempting to explain criminal behavior.
It’s hard for someone to break out of the cycle they were brought up in, especially if it’s all they know. Social structure theory provides a strong argument as to why some people commit crimes. It takes into account how a person’s environment affects them and how they might think about breaking the law.
The theory focuses on things like poverty, poor housing, and lack of education which can lead to crime. It also looks at how the family can play a role in whether or not someone will become a criminal. Criminals often come from broken homes or homes where there is no father figure. This can lead to them not having any direction in life and turning to a life of crime. The social structure theory is a strong way to explain criminal behavior and should be considered when trying to understand why people break the law.
