Criminological Theories - Case Study Example

Society reacts by punishment, treatment, or prevention. These sequences of events come together to comprise the object matter of criminology (Sutherland, 1947). Theories are logical constructions that explain natural phenomena. They are not in themselves always directly observable, but can be supported or refuted by empirical findings. Theory and empirical research are connected by means of hypotheses, which are testable propositions that are logically derived from theories. The testable part is very important because scientific hypotheses must be capable of being accepted or rejected.

Theories can be simple or complex, it depends on how relationships are made in formulating them. Human behavior tends to be very complex, almost abstract. Theories on crime causation are complex, too. Theories not only provide a framework for us to interpret the meanings of observed patterns but they help us to determine when these patterns are meaningful and when they are not (Sutherland, 1947). The case under analysis here is Cecilia's inclination to embezzle funds from her employer. Her behavior can be best explained using two sociological theories of criminology namely, Social Disorganization and Institutional Anomie.

The Institutional Anomie is sometimes also called the 'American Dream' theory. This theory comes under the more widely known 'Strain theory'. Strain refers generally to the processes by which inadequate regulation at the societal level filters down to how the individual perceives his or her needs. Strain also refers to the frictions and pains experienced by the individual as they look for ways to meet their needs (the motivational mechanism that causes crime) (Messner & Rosenfeld, 1994). This theory talks of a state in which sometimes material success is evaluated as success in life.

Achieving such a success might mean relieving the strain the person is under. When a person is in this state, economic success takes a very high priority in life. Contentment and satisfaction in life are rated only based on how much money they make or how well placed they are in society. As in the case of Cecilia, as long as she was economically stable, for example during the initial period of working, she did not resort to any type of deviant behavior. Social Disorganization theory basically refers to the failure of social institutions or social organizations (e.g., schools, family, group networking) in certain communities and/or neighborhoods.

Organization can be defined as definite and enduring patterns of complementary relations and social disorganization as the weakening or destruction of the relationships which hold together a social organization such as a family (Sutherland, 1947). The lack of a proper childhood leads to a feeling of imbalance which in turn leads to the need to procure this balance. In Cecilia's case, the death of her father at an early stage and the lack of a close personal bond with her mother caused in her a feeling of detachment and desolation.

Since she also did not have close friends, social networking was totally lacking leading to a very strong need to feel attached to something or someone. This craving leads to a depression which if not identified leads to deviant behavior which could lead to the individual developing into a