SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES OF CRIME

Sociological Theory argues that crime is the normal response of a biologically and
psychologically normal individual to social conditions that are abnormal and criminogenic.
The 3 primary sociological theories of crime and delinquent behaviour are the following;
strain, social learning and control theories.

Robert K. Merton advocated the "Theory of Social Structural Strain" due to the reason
that in American culture it emphasizes the monetary success as the expense of adhering to
the legitimate opportunities to achieve monetary success. Society has an unequal
distribution of the legitimate opportunities to achieve monetary success.

Strain Theory

Strain Theory was also developed by sociologists Robert K. Merton which suggests that
society puts pressure on individuals to achieve socially accepted goals, even though they
lack the means. Strain is classified as Structural and Individual. In Structural it is a process
of social level which filter down while in Individual is the resistance and the pain experienced
by an individual.

Social Learning Theory

Ronald L. Akers developed the Social Learning Theory during in 1973, it is a general theory
of crime and criminality that emphasizes the mutual interaction among cognitive, behavioral
and environmental determinants of human traits. Both criminals and conforming behaviour
are acquired, maintained and altered by the process of interplay with others.

Social Control Theory

Social Control Theory was based on Functionalist Theories of Crime, it is a work of Travis
Hirschi during 1969 which he is an American scientist. He suggested that people general
conform to social norms due to strong bonds, which they engaged in delinquent acts when
these bonds are weak or broken. The key concepts of Social Bonds are Attachment in which
it talks about individual’s relationship with others, Commitment which devotes his/herself to a
particular lifestyle, Involvement in which it is essential element comes down on time and
lastly Belief which is associated with upbringing.

Drift Theory

Drift Theory is an idea in which people can "shift" back and forth between obeying breaking
the law. Uses techniques of neutralization as an excuse to break law when other forms of
social control are weak. When social control is stronger, the offender will drift or float back to
law-abiding behaviour.

Neutralization Theory
Neutralization Theory is a developed by Dr. Greshan Sykes and Dr. David Matza his former
student in 1957. Mr. Matza postulated "that if delinquents had established a subculture with
norms that differ from those of the larger society, they would not have exhibited shame or
guilt when violating the social order.

Neutralization And Drift Theory is a argues that juveniles sense an obligation to the law
which remains in place most of the time. However, when this commitment is strained,
juvenile delinquents tends to drift into crime.

Differential Social Disorganization Theory

Differential Social Disorganization Theory is a contends that there is breakdown and

changes, conflict of values between the new and the old. When there is lack of well-defined
regulation to behavior, a breakdown of rules and the absence of definite role for the
adolescent to play.

Conflict of Culture Theory

Conflict of Culture Theory by Thosten Sellin. It emphasized that the multiplicity of in

compatible culture is the main source of social disorganization. The high crime and
delinquency rates of certain ethnic or racial group is explained by their exposure to assorted,
diverse and in congruent standards and codes. The more intricate the culture becomes, the
greater is the chance that the worms of various groups will conflict.

Deterrence Theory

A key element in the criminal justice system and asserts that crime can be controlled by
using punishments that incorporate the appropriate levels of certainty, severity, and celerity.
The mere threat of punishment serves as a deterrent to criminal behavior.

Containment Theory

Proposed by Reckless, argues that criminality arises from the failure of social groups to
contain the behavior of their members. Adequate containment integrates individuals into
society's value system, reducing crime rates. It emphasizes the roles of both inner and outer
containment.

Outer Containment: Pertains to the influence of societies and close-knit groups in regulating
individual behavior within accepted norms. This includes guidance, support, and limitation for
members.

Inner Containment: Focuses on an individual's capacity to withstand pressure, handle

conflicts, avoid risks, and stay out of trouble. Key factors include self-concept, goal
orientation, frustration tolerance, and norm retention.

Power-Control Theory
The power-control theory, proposed by Hagan, examines patriarchal and egalitarian families.
It suggests that in patriarchal families, sons are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior
due to receiving less supervision compared to daughters. In egalitarian families, the
delinquent behavior of sons and daughters becomes more similar, as both genders receive
equal levels of supervision.

Control Balance Theory

Analyzes the relationship between an individual's vulnerability to control and their capability
to exert control. This theory encompasses four primary variables: predisposition,
provocation, opportunity, and constraint.

Deviant behavior denotes actions that breach established social norms.

Anomie characterizes a state in which individuals exhibit a lack or decline of standards or

values.

Natural Laws are rooted in core values common across various cultures that protect
individuals and property from harm. These laws form the foundation of common law
systems.

Statutes are laws enacted by legislatures and reflect current cultural norms and mores.

Marxist, conflict, and critical criminology, which challenge the notion of a consensual
relationship between the state and its citizens. These perspectives contend that criminal law
may not accurately represent public beliefs and desires but rather serves the interests of the
ruling or dominant class. Crime definitions differ among cultures, and common categories
include blue-collar crime, corporate crime, organized crime, political crime, state crime,
public order crime, and white-collar crime.

Conflict Theory

Advocated by Karl Marx views that society is divided into competing groups with different
values and ideas. The group with the most power establishes laws and controls society.
Groups without formal power maintain their own norms, which may be deemed criminal by
the larger society.

Conflict theory argues that society is in constant dispute over limited resources and social
order is maintained through power and the suppression of the less privileged.

Social Disorganization Theory

A theory develop by Chicago School, proposes that communities facing poverty and
economic hardship are more likely to have frequent changes in population. When a
neighborhood is struggling with poverty and lacks economic stability, people often move in
and out frequently. This results in a diverse mix of residents with limited opportunities to form
strong social bonds and connections.