Why Should People Commit Crime And Labeling Theory From A...

Sociologists have done thousands of research studies on deviance; an action or behavior that is out of the norm. However, the question that they are most intrigued with is; what causes a person to commit a deviant act? There are two theories that are in debate, anomie-strain theory, and labeling theory. In this essay, I am going to compare and contrast the two theories and explain how tattooing has become a stigma in today s society. I am going to discuss three similarity views; first they share ties with social strain in deviance, by the way, society is structured. Second, they both deal with crime among minority group as well as crime rates in the United States. Third, both anomie-strain and labeling theory focus on the deviant behavior regarding the individual social and cultural status and how society response to these types of deviant behaviors. I am going to explain Robert K. Merton’s theory on why people commit crime and labeling theory from a sociological perspective, and how people respond to the actions that people make. Even though the two theories are similar they play different roles in society in dealing with deviance behavior. Anomie strain theory can be described as the failure to achieve certain goals, which can lead an individual to commit deviant acts. Emilie Durkheim, a sociologist defines anomie as lack of normal ethical or social standards which leads relationships with people to become frayed. Sociologist Merton applied Emilie Durkheim theory in theShow MoreRelatedThe Sociological Perspective On Medical Conditions1687 Words   |  7 Pagesbiomedical perspective is used to explain various medical conditions. This can include, but is not limited to using an individual’s body and pathogens to explain poor health. On a different note, the sociological perspective takes on a different approach to explain medical conditions. The sociological perspective focuses on the external influences, rather than then internal influences, such as the social environment, institutions, and relationsh ips to assess and explain illness. The sociological perspectiveRead MoreConflict and Labeling Theory Essay1337 Words   |  6 PagesConflict and Labeling Theory Labeling theory is concerned less with that causes the onset of an initial delinquent act and more with the effect that official handling by police, courts, and correctional agencies has on the future of youths who fall into the court system. Labeling theory states that youths violate the law for a number of reasons; these reasons are poor family relationships, neighborhood conflict, peer pressure, psychological and biological abnormality and delinquent learning experiencesRead MoreWhy People Commit The Crime Essay1538 Words   |  7 PagesCriminological theory is the explanation of criminal behavior, as well as the behavior of juveniles, attorneys, prosecutors, judges, correctional personnel, victims, and other actors in the criminal justice process. Criminological theory is important because most of what is done in criminal justice is based on criminological theory, whether we or the people who propose and implement policies based on the theory know it or not. In criminology, exa mining why people commit the crime is very importantRead MoreTheoretical Perspectives of Race and Ethnicity757 Words   |  4 PagesTheoretical Perspectives of Race and Ethnicity Rebecca Spain ETH/125 April 4th, 2010 Melissa Terrell The three sociological theoretical perspectives of race and ethnicity are the functionalist, conflict, and labeling perspectives. The functionalist perspective is the perspective that shows how parts of society work in a structured manner to keep the survival of a society. The belief is that if a certain part does not contribute to society’s survival in an effective manner that it willRead MoreEssay about SOC 1011212 Words   |  5 Pages SOC101-Intro to Sociology March 2013 1. Part A. Describe the sociological concept of deviance. Briefly explain each of the approaches to explaining deviance (functionalist perspective, interactionist perspective, conflict perspective), telling which is most convincing to you and why. Provide examples from your own experience as appropriate. 2. Part B. Analyzing your own life; discuss your status in terms of ascribed status, achieved status, and master status. For each of these statusesRead MoreEssay A General Theory of Crime2134 Words   |  9 PagesA General Theory of Crime (Michael R. Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi) Term Paper Soc 203 Prof. Ortiz 12th December 2002 Crime is a serious issue in the United States and research shows that it is running rampant, and its effects are felt in all socioeconomic levels. Each economic class has its own crime rates and types of crime. It is a mistake to think of crime as a lower class problem. Crime is a problem for all people. The lower classes commit crime for survival while the upper classRead More A General Theory of Crime Essay2067 Words   |  9 PagesCrime is a serious issue in the United States. Research shows that crime is running rampant and its effects are felt in all socioeconomic levels. Each economic class has its own crime rates and types of crime. It is a mistake to think of crime as a lower class problem. Crime is a problem for all people. The lower classes commit crime for survival while the upper class commits crime to supplement capital and maintain control. Research also highlight that middle class crime is the most popularRead MoreEssay on Theories of Crime and Criminal Activity1488 Words   |  6 PagesTheories of Crime and Criminal Activity Every theory of crime has at least 2-3 meta-theoretical levels above it. The fundamental issues are usually addressed at the approach level, and are often called the assumptions, or starting points, of a theory, although the term assumptions more strictly refers to the background or domain boundaries one can draw generalizations about. Above the approach level is the Perspective level, the largest unit of agreement within a scientific community, andRead MoreDeviance Is A Violation Of Social Norms1637 Words   |  7 PagesImagine someone rich or powerful committing crimes without the fear of serving consequences. The crime may include murder, robbery, or stealing. Deviance is a label for an action or behavior that violates social norms. Social norms are rules or expectations which usually guide members of society. Deviance is nonconformity to these norms. Social norms can vary from culture to culture and is defined in numerous ways. Many researchers believe that deviance is a violat ion of social norms. Some believeRead MoreFunctionalist View on Crime1262 Words   |  5 PagesSociologists who study Crime and Deviance examine cultural norms, how they will or might change over time and how they are enforced. Deviance and social norms vary greatly among different societies, communities and times. Crime is considered an activity which breaks the immediate laws of the society an individual is a part of. The nature that determines whether and act is one of crime or deviance is clearly outlined by a set of formal laws which individuals are expected to follow. Deviance on the