Criminological Theory: Context and Consequences - Essay Example

Criminology Theory In every society, crime is inevitable, occurring due to various circumstances, hence the use various theories to explain this scenario. Most arguments put their concentration on individual factors that enhance crime. Social disorganization theory, on the other hand, seeks to explicate why some communities are more prone to criminal activities in opposition to others. As a result, social and legal institutions with the responsibility of curbing crime face hindrance. The argument offered by the theory is that crimes occur because of lack of skills, energy, and resources by the responsible institutions.

Strain theory, however, concentrates on individual behavior’s that heighten crime. These constitute the unique stressors that push one to commit crime. Inability to achieve a goal, lack of positive energy, for instance, the death of a relative and the introduction of negative energy, like emotional and physical abuse, are some of those stressors. Consequently, one may indulge in crime to offset or counter such forces. Various theories have emerged before to define and explain crime. One such theory is Robert Agnew’s strain theory.

Indeed, the subject of criminology is subject to many social, political, and economic changes. Consequently, Agnew’s approach makes a comparison of his theory with that of other previous methods. For instance, the first strain theory insinuated that aspiration’s increase together with expectation decrease resulted to delinquency. In addition, the original method showed that the rate of criminal activity was higher in the low-class community compared to the middle and upper classes. However, Agnew proved both the theories wrong and inaccurate.

In addition, the original theory ignored factors like relinquishment of crime in late teenage years and the value of relationships of the family. Agnew’s strain theory however included such variables, together with others. Therefore, he gave an exploration of the stress theory from goals rather than money, and, additionally gave a consideration of all the classes in social society. Hence, the basis of his theory is that people get distressed and indulge into crime due to mistreatment. In his theory, still, he proposes measures of strain, strain types, connection that exists between crime and strain and offers recommendations on the policy that base upon the theory.

In social disorganization theory, various theories explain the concept. An example is the Sampson & Wilsons theory, which posits that most crimes come by due to social isolation, mainly in racial and urban discrimination. In this regard, the theory implies that African Americans continuously face a branding as the victims and perpetrators of crimes with violence. They suggested that inequality of races at the community level arise due to social isolation, leading to barriers in terms of structures and the adaptation of cultures that look down upon the disadvantaged.

Such factors make crime control almost impossible. According to Wilson and Sampson, the level of causes of violence in a community is the same when there is social disorganization, no matter the race. However, they agree that racial discrimination exposes the less fortunate or ‘minority’ groups to social mechanisms that induce and protect against violence. With this, they were able to show the difference in force that exists between blacks and whites. Due to this, ‘racial variance’ identifies their theory, in the ultimate crime causes.

Finally, the above are just examples of theories that explain crimes in the society. Strain theories explain the idea that people engage in crime because of inadequate treatment and to retaliate to circumstances they cannot handle. Social disorganization theory, on the other hand, concentrates on social disorders that encourage crimes like racism, poverty, among others. Works Cited Lilly, J. Robert, Francis T. Cullen, and Richard A. Ball. Criminological Theory: Context and Consequences. 5th ed.

Newbury Park, Calif: Sage Publications, 2010. Print.