Reducing Crime Rates

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses deviant behavior that violates a society's formal norms or laws, constituting criminal behavior. The paper examines the deterrent effect of capital punishment and maintains that it is at best debatable. The paper highlights how capital punishment and increased law enforcement are reactive responses that only address the symptoms of crime. In contrast, a conflict-based approach seeks to address the social inequities that often contribute to criminal behavior in the first place. The paper contends that maintaining the decline in crime calls for these long-term and forward-thinking strategies. The paper stresses that authorities need to address the major causes, including the lack of role models, weakened social institutions and the systemic racism that make it difficult for many to be socially mobile.

From the Paper:

"Functionalist sociologists believe that the concept of deviance helps a society define the limits of acceptable behavior. If there were no formal laws, people could engage in behavior such as stealing in order to get what they want and need. These behaviors would undermine social ties and make it difficult for society to function. For functionalists, social programs punish those who have engaged in criminally deviant behavior would serve as a social deterrent. When criminals are punished, the other members of society are motivated to obey the laws."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cassel, Russell, Peter Chow, Donald F. DeMoulin and Robert C. Reiger. "Comparing the cognitive dissonance of 116 juvenile delinquent boys with that of 215 typical high school students." Education 121(3). ProQuest Database.
• Everett, Charlie; Chadwell, Jason and McChesney, Jon. "Successful programs for at-risk youth." Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 73(9). Proquest Database.
• Johansen, Jay. ""The Death Penalty Deters Crime," The Death Penalty: Opposing Viewpoints. (San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press, 2002), 112-118.
• Shaw, C. & H. McKay. Juvenile Delinquency and Urban Areas. Chicago: Univ. Press, 1942

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