Crime and Deviance Theories - Essay Example

? Crime and deviance theories al affiliation Crime and deviance theories 0. Introduction In the social order, there are various forms of disorders that disrupt the norms of the society. In most cases, the society is not devoid of deviant behaviours that are unanimously disapproved by the whole society. No matter how minute the case may be, the effects of these actions should not be overlooked. In relation to these cases, sociologists devised the field of criminology in an attempt to explain the actions behind certain activities in the society. It is also important to note that the society is full of deviant behaviours ranging from alcoholism to vandalism. With the increase in deviant behaviours that advance to crimes, this theme can indeed not be overlooked. This essay shall aim at highlighting on two theoretical approaches- differential association and anomie theory, in an attempt to understand crime and deviant behaviours in the social order. 2.0. Body With the use of theories, it is possible to have an understanding of the behaviours of persons. Crime and deviant behaviors can also be discussed and understood with the application of theories. 2.1. Differential association theory The background of this theory is based on how individuals learn deviant behaviours. This theory was proposed by Sutherland, who sought to understand the role of environment in creating thriving grounds for development of crimes. According to the research conducted by Vito & Maahs (2011, pp.174) the environment plays a major role in the creation of the norms in the society. Creation of norms evolves from the fact that human beings are able to socialize with one another ion the society; thus, grasp a lot of concepts from others. Of essence, this is to means that, in the society, the environment has the ability of shaping an individual. In the case of an individual who is constantly within the company of wrong doers and other deviant persons, it is likely that this person will follow the same trend. This is an interpretation that the deviant person ahs adjusted to wrong doing as part of the daily norms of the society. Additionally, the work by Vito & Maahs (2011, pp.177) emphasizes the need for the reference groups to set a good example to the young ones so that the younger ones can have a good example to follow in the quest of their survival. This theory also indicates that deviance and crime are forms of behaviours that are learnt just like any other behaviour in the society. In the same way that a person would learn how to cycle, the same case a person would learn or perfect the art of stealing, vandalism or even pick pocketing. With this in mind, crime and deviance can be discussed as conditions that are stimulated and conditioned by a particular human being. If the parents or any other care givers or reference groups train a person not to indulge themselves into criminal or deviant activities, there is a great likelihood that these individuals will have set a lasting brand in the individuals that deviance and crime is wrong. A vice versa of this situation would mean that an individual gets addicted to deviant behaviours from their backgrounds and the kind of lives that they have led in the past. Of essence, this is to argue that differential-association theory works on the grounds that the kind of behaviour portrayed by an individual emanates from their own backgrounds and the examples they have been brought up with. In their work, Vito & Maahs (2011, pp.176) give the view that deviance may be as a result of the kind of picture portrayed of a certain deviant behaviour. A good example is that of the juvenile offenders. Juvenile offenders are known for their massive praise of the gangster and street life. With these persons as members of the society, there is a great probability that they may interact with other community members. In this case, therefore, a lot of youth people with the need for prominence end up being recruited in these gangs. A mere need to have fun and adventure as a result of engaging in crime ends up creating more and more crime cases in the society. It is palpable that the kind of interactions in the society is vital in determining the kind of individuals to expect in the society. Glorification of violence, deviance or any other form of crime would automatically create a situation whereby huge masses persons will indulge so as to attain status, praise and position in the society. A continuation of the same means that deviance and crime will be part of the norms and regulations of the society; in turn make it fashionable for all. In essence, differential association theory focuses on the fact that crime and deviance can thrive if given good grounds for maturation. The entire society must act as a good role model to all generations; thus, creating a situation whereby the stimulus conditioned on individuals is a positive one. It is evident that this theory holds much validity and clearly applies in the contemporary world’s situation. 2.2. Anomie theory On a sociological point of view, the anomie theory is responsible for the explanation and understanding of crime and deviance in the society. This theory works on the foundation that the society is responsible for the creation of norms in the society. In other word, it would be understandable to make the assumption that the society pushes the individuals to being the person they are. In an event whereby individuals do not attain self actualization, they go through a condition referred to as anomie (Vito & Maahs, 2011, pp.154). In order to attain the goals of the society, certain norms have to be adhered to by the populace. Amongst these norms include the resources available to allow for attainment of goals set by the individuals. For instance, a great percentage of persons in the society yearn to acquire wealth and status in the society. Wealth and status can only be acquired if one has the link to their access. This ranges from the ability to attend prestigious schools that act as a bridge to a better life, being from a prominent background amongst others. In the absence of these privileges, some individuals are likely to indulge in activities that, according to them, will elevate their status to a higher one in the society. Some may engage in deviant activities and crimes such as stealing so as to get funds to survive in their tough and underprivileged conditions. The quest to acquire riches has increased the levels of crime and deviance in the society. The rush by individuals to get away from anomie explains the forces and rush for self actualization in the society. Vito & Maahs (2011, pp.155) indicate that the social forces, in relation to anomie theory, are the major sources of conflicts in the society. A control of the social forces, for instance regulation of the societal forces creates a situation whereby the society will be synchronized, with all persons having an opportunity to have a share of the resources available. On a practical point of view, a lot of crimes can be discussed in relation to this theory. For instance robbery can be attributed to the fact that individuals needed to have funds for survival and access to resources that the able persons in the society have. Pick pockets may also be described as having the need to survive and acquire a piece of the society’s share of resources. The forces that increase the gap between the rich and the poor can arguably be indicated to be the major source of deviant and criminal activities by individuals. It is recommended that individuals learn the means of survival in the society that are not criminal in nature, if a long term solution has to be achieved. 3.0. Conclusion Conclusively, crime and deviant behaviours are part of the day to day life. From the anomie and differential association theory, the society is the major driving force towards deviant behaviours. On one angle, if the society does not take an active role in creation of a positive example to the members of the society, individuals are at liberty to move with the trend they wish. It is obvious that a majority will go with the ‘easier’ way of indulging in crimes and deviant behaviors. On another point of view, the inequalities in the society create a form of imbalance that requires members of the society that are seemingly not well, or are in an anomie status, to come up with measures that will see to their survival, which are criminal in nature. The society should, however, be manipulated in such a manner that all persons survive with minimal constraints. In the long run, it is possible that lesser crimes and deviant behaviours will be recorded. References Vito, G., & Maahs, J., 2011. Criminology: Theory, Research, and Policy. New York: Jones & Bartlett Publishers. Read More