Theories of Crime: Beginning

Self-Control Theories

• Hershey's Self-Control Theory and Reckless' Self-Control Theory are comparable in their focus on how individual self-control impacts behavior.

• Example: Ted Kaczynski (the Unabomber) exemplifies loss of self-control as he withdrew from society and embraced conspiracy beliefs.

Hershey's Social Bond Theory

• The relationship dynamics of Alex exemplify key components of Hershey's Social Bond Theory:

  • Strained Family Relationships: Alex's relationship with his parents was strained due to their absence and lack of support, negatively impacting his social bonds.

  • Weak Attachments: Alex has weak emotional ties to parents, teachers, and peers, leading to reduced emotional stakes in adhering to social norms.

  • Lack of Commitment: He harbors no strong aspirations or future goals, leading to indifference toward the consequences of his actions.

  • Involvement with Deviant Peers: Alex socializes with peers that encourage deviant behavior, reinforcing his detachment from conventional activities.

  • Dissociation in Belief: Alex's moral beliefs do not align with societal standards, making him view actions like stealing and vandalism as acceptable, increasing the likelihood of criminal behavior.

Real-Life Example: Larry Crowe

• Larry Crowe, a teenager in Chicago, mirrors Alex's hypothetical situation, showcasing the theoretical application in real life.

Controlled Balance Theory

• Bernie Madoff as an Example: Madoff's position of power allowed extreme control over investors while lacking self-control over his actions:

• He manipulated his clients into trusting him with their investments, using his immense control to perpetuate a Ponzi scheme.

• His need for success and recognition compromised his self-control, escalating his unethical decisions, and ultimately leading to criminal charges.

Gender and Crime: Hagan's Power Control Theory

• The Role of Family Structure: Hagan posits that differences in crime rates by gender are influenced by parental control based on family hierarchy:

• Patriarchal Families: Give more freedom to boys while controlling girls' behavior.

• Egalitarian Families: Distribute control and privilege more evenly between genders.

• Matriarchal Structures: May paradoxically grant boys more freedom while controlling girls similarly to patriarchal structures.

• Implications for Crime: These differences in control may contribute to the higher rates of male involvement in gang violence and street crimes, especially in urban areas with socioeconomic disparities.

Colvin's Differential Coercion Theory

• Impact of Coercive Environments on Behavior: Individuals raised in harsh conditions are more prone to criminal behavior:

  • Example: A man from an abusive household may resort to violence in adulthood due to learned experiences of conflict resolution through aggression.

Cullen's Social Support Theory

• Micro vs. Macro Perspectives: Cullen discusses the importance of social support on both macro and micro levels:

• Emotional Support: Example: Sarah receives emotional support from her friend Emily during job stress, aiding emotional regulation.

• Instrumental Support: Colleague Mike assists Sarah with project work, reducing her stress.

• Informational Support: Mentor Laura provides constructive strategies, enhancing Sarah's coping abilities.

• Appraisal Support: Family feedback reinforces Sarah's self-confidence through validating her past successes.

Labeling Theory

• Development and Impact: Emerged in the 1960s, suggesting that labels create a self-fulfilling prophecy:

  • Once labeled as 'criminal,' it can stigmatize individuals, anchoring them within the criminal justice system and making reintegration challenging.

• Data shows disparity: Prisons recount an overrepresentation of Black and Hispanic individuals compared to their demographic proportions in society.

Sociopolitical Context

• Historical Shifts in Government Trust: After the 1960s, events like the assassination of JFK and civil rights movements led to skepticism about governmental legitimacy:

  • Citizens began attributing crime problems to state failures and questioning the role of the government in societal issues.

• Mass Incarceration Trends: The chapter points to a stark increase in incarceration rates since the late 1960s, highlighting systemic issues in the justice system.

Theories of Deviance and Social Labeling

• Howard Becker: Proposes that societal reactions define criminal behavior, as evidenced by the context of murder being permissible in cases of self-defense or war.

• Saints and Roughnecks Study: Shambliss observed how labels influenced the lives of two groups:

• Saints (wealthy, actively involved in school) and Roughnecks (less affluent, perceived as deviant) faced vastly different social perceptions despite similar behaviors.

• Outcome divergence: Saints were often academically successful, while Roughnecks faced significant criminal records and harsher consequences.

Master Status and Social Roles

• Definition of Master Status: A master status is a social label that overshadows all other attributes, influencing how individuals are perceived by society (e.g., being labeled as 'criminal' post-conviction).

• Role of Context in Status: Situations can shift the perceived significance of one's master status based on surrounding interactions and relationships.

  • The professor discussed how roles intertwine with status, and situational contexts can influence the perceived importance of different identities.

Conclusion

• Overall, societal labeling, familial influence, and personal interactions profoundly affect self-perception and behavior, shaping future outcomes and reinforcing societal norms.