Abstract The paper discusses how social structure theories attempt to analyze the driving forces that change society and that sociologists who study social change use the study of both criminology and sociology to draw conclusions about criminal behavior. The paper further explains that the three main branches of social structure theories are the social disorganization theory, the social strain theory and the cultural deviance theory. In this paper, the major social structural theories are defined and analyzed. The culmination of this paper addresses the question - How well have social structure theories explained delinquent behavior in society?
From the Paper "The strain theories express the discontent of Americans who fail to achieve the American dream. Crimes committed by white collar, middle class workers can be explained by the strain theories. An example of this is workplace violence, which, according to a Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime Characteristics accounts for 18 percent of all violent crime between 1993 and 1999 . Unfortunately, it is not unheard of for a worker who was recently fired to return to his old employer to vent his anger by opening fire on anyone in site. Such violence demonstrates how competition to succeed prompts crime as the anomie theory contends."
Abstract This paper examines Social Disorganization Theory as an explanation of homicide. The explanation is delineated and criticisms of the theory are discussed. The paper concludes that the theory is sound in explaining homicide but insufficient in explaining several phenomena associated with homicide.
From the Paper "Siegel states that there are several theoretical explanations for homicide but that none is definitive primarily because of difficulties associated with empirical research on homicide ..."
Abstract The paper discusses the social learning theory and differential association theory, with empirical evidence for both. The paper offers views of various theorists, including Bandura and Braithwaite. The paper explores the connection to criminal justice and restorative justice.
From the Paper "The following essay presents a description of social learning theory and differential association theory, along with empirical evidence for both. The role of structural variables to include social disorganization and anomie influences are discussed. Social Learning Theory: Social learning theory provides a focus on learning that occurs within a social context. Albert Bandura is the foremost promoter of this theory."
Abstract An analysis of the socialjudgmenttheory accredited to Muzafer Sherif. Social Judgement can best be described as the process that new ideas go through when entering are minds. The paper examines all of its aspects as outlined in communication textbooks and journals and uses direct references from all four sources in the paper.
From the Paper "Muzafer Sherif is credited with this theory and is responsible for its development and testing. Social Judgement theory is a process that occurs in your head every time you hear an opinion of someone else. It either falls into your area of acceptance or rejection. A very important part of this theory is how persuasion plays a major role into how we view our world. This theory helps us to understand how we process the thoughts and opinions that interact with our minds almost every minute of the day."
Abstract This paper examines the general theory of crime set forth by Michael R. Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi. The paper delineates what the theory is and then presents a critique of it using the Social Organizational theory. In the final analysis, the paper concludes that Social Organizational theory offers a fairly trenchant rebuttal of some of the careless assumptions made in Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory of crime."
From the Paper "Any critical evaluation of criminal theory is fraught with difficulty insofar as no one explanation satisfactorily explains all of the various reasons why human beings engage in illicit behavior. Be that as it may, the Social Organizational theory comes closer than most to elucidating why human beings often act in the manner they do and it provides a constructive critique of the general theory of crime put forward by respected academics like Gottfredson and Hirschi. The purpose of this paper is two-fold: firstly, the paper will briefly outline what is meant by the "General Theory of Crime" as it most commonly understood. Secondly, the paper will evaluate this theory using the Social Organizational theory that has gained such popularity in recent years."
Abstract The paper examines the ideas of various social control scholars and applies theories and perspectives to explain higher degrees of criminality amongst Canadian aboriginals. The paper shows how versions of social control theory explain higher degrees of criminality amongst native people with an emphasis on social inequality but highlights how other factors such as history and culture must also be fully appreciated. The paper asserts that mainstream social bonds along with traditional native culture must continue to develop together to deter aboriginal criminality.
Outline:
Introduction
Social Control Theory Canada's Aboriginal Experiences Compared to Mainstream Society
Scholars' Perspectives
Conclusion
From the Paper "Social control theory argues that those with weak bonds to societies' institutions are prone to criminal activity, specifically conventional crime. This paper examines scholars that studied various facets of social control theory and applies their findings to Canadian aboriginal societies. Considerable research suggests social control theorists are accurate in their theories that social bonds deter crime. An example of a society that has lost much of its social control is the aboriginal people of Canada."
Abstract This paper discusses fundamentalism, a social change theory developed by Durkheim. The paper presents an overview of the theory within multiple contexts. The paper also describes how these varying contexts influenced the development of his theory. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of social change according to this theory.
From the Paper "The following presents the topic of social change in context. A specific social change theory, functionalism, and a specific theorist, Durkheim, are presented. This is followed by an overview of the theory within multiple contexts..."
Abstract Social learning theory states that people learn a behavior by imitating others and receiving rewards for this emulation. The paper describes the ways in which this theory is put into play in the way parents raise their children. The writer explains how social learning theory is used to understand the differences in levels and types of aggressive behavior, as well as the influences of race, gender and family structure.
From the Paper "Bandura, a major proponent of social learning theory, states that the personality is learned within a social context, with the reciprocal interaction between the environment, the behavior, and the person (reciprocal determinism). The reciprocal determinism paradigm includes self-regulatory behavior, self-observation, judgmental processes, and self-response. Bandura's theory proposes that the personality is learned through the process of observation and imitation, symbols are used to achieve this phenomonen, and people are the self-regulators in the complex interaction with the environment (Corsini, 1977, p. 422; Feist, 1985, pp. 266-267, 270-284)."
Tags: parenting, imitation, reward, emulation, environment, social
Abstract This article analyzes a social work case of an Aboriginal woman whose family is disintegrating around her and leaving her feeling abandoned. In this paper, the writer looks at how different theories apply to the case. Further, the writer explores how these theories can be used to help the family regain a normal, productive life.
From the Paper "My conception of the teacher as a leader is derived from three of the five mind scapes that have been utilized as a guiding framework in teacher training programs for constructivist leadership. The first mind scape that highlights the importance of teaching and learning for equity and high achievement requires teachers to critically reflect on their teaching practices. Instead of attributing student failure to extraneous variables such as race ethnicity or socioeconomic status, teachers as leaders must take responsibility for their role in student learning.
Abstract The paper explains the socialjudgmenttheory, which uses five different components to convince others of a particular idea. The paper discusses how this theory provides a framework from which persuasion techniques and responses can be clearly understood. The paper shows how in the world of advertising it is important to understand the constructs of the theory so that one can be sure to target acceptance latitude areas and thus promote successful advertising.
Outline:
Introduction
The Theory Advertising Application
An Invented Ad
Conclusion
From the Paper "The world revolves around the ability to persuade. If one can get another to think the way he thinks, believe what he believes or adopt another opinion then changes can be made. The art of persuasion is one of the most powerful tools available to changing the path of resistance and convincing people to make a particular choice(Boller, 1991). This holds true in many areas of life including of politics, employment, and advertising. There are several theories of persuasion that are commonly used in the field of advertising to persuade consumers to purchase a service or product. The social judgment theory is one that uses five key elements to get people to respond in a desired manner."
An analysis of the application of the social constructionism theory, the labeling theory and the social exchange theory to the clients of the DePaul Family Services.
Abstract This paper discusses how interactions with people, places and situations all leave their imprint on a person's way of being. The paper discusses whether a client's behavior is the result of the events occurred within his society, community and family or, if he is the intersection of the macro, mezzo and micro environments. It also discusses where personal characteristics intervene and impact of the resiliency and strengths of the individual. The paper focuses on the DePaul Family Services and analyzes their clients from three theoretical standpoints: the social constructionism theory, the labeling theory and the social exchange theory.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Agency Description
Agency Client
Theory Application
Social Constructionism Theory Labeling Theory Social Exchange Theory Conclusions
From the Paper "Resiliency, in the general meaning of finding the strength to pick up the pieces and carry on, is vital for the success of the DePaul clients. The area in which the social organization activates is extremely tough and challenging and it often offers more disappointments than actual successes. The social workers in the organization are constantly faced with refusal and a generally negative outcome. But they know not to give up, for the beneficial result of these humanitarian actions resides in persistency. It is impossible to teach and integrate a child with mental disabilities from the first day of program implementation. But with persistence, the results will show in time. Character strength and resiliency is also a must for the client and his family. Parents and other close family members generally find it hard to accept that their child is mentally challenged and when they do seem to find a solution in the DePaul services, they soon come to expect a miracle. And when this miracle does not happen, they often feel frustrated and tend to take it out on the representatives of DePaul and its social workers. But the employees at the organization and the family members only represent the close environment of the client's and their being resilient is required in order to support the client. He is the one that must truly be resilient and strong to make sure the treatments take effect. This is one more proof that the microenvironment directly impacts the behaviour of the client."
Tags:social constructionism, labeling, social exchange
Abstract Social Structure Theories and Social Processes Theories are often used interchangeably. This essay highlights the fundamental differences outlining social structure and social process theories. In order to compare these theories, the paper draws attention to the various theories of juvenile delinquency and the difference of perspective involved and the obtrusive causes outlined by the distinct theories for engagement in criminal acts at a young age. Two different theories are presented attempting to explain juvenile delinquency, presenting various facets of adolescent criminal behavior and the possible causes of such behavior.
From the Paper "One of the major challenges faced by the law-making authorities of the United States today is the reduction of juvenile delinquency and to increase the effectiveness of lawful regulations in the country. The alarming augmentation in crime rate at adolescent echelon is the most worrisome problem facing America therefore researchers and experts of the related field have developed various theories regarding juvenile delinquency outlining motivations and reasons behind the existence and the frequency of crime at juvenile stage. In order to well-comprehend the perspective of various philosophies related to juvenile delinquency, it is highly essential to know what juvenile delinquency is about."
Abstract This paper analyzes the social comparison theory in four sections, first by exploring a journal article that explored the theory in the United States and China. The paper also analyzes a mass media example in the context of social comparison. A personal example is then provided within an academic setting to see how the real life-scenario works. Finally, the theory was examined in an ethical context.
Outline:
Abstract
Social Comparison, Individualism-Collectivism, and Self-Esteem in China and the United States by Chung and Mallery
Mass Media Example of the Social Comparison Theory Personal Example of Social Comparison Theory Social Comparison Theory and Ethics
From the Paper "Chung and Mallery (1999) "examined the possible differences in social comparison between individualistic and collectivistic cultures" using the United States and China for the sample (para. 1). Chung and Mallery predicted that based on past research, collectivistic cultures, where individuals focused on achievements that would be beneficial to a collective group rather than themselves, would be positively correlated with upward social comparison, while the contrary would be true for individualistic cultures. In essence the a priori expectation is that "upward comparisons were positively correlated with individual self-esteem, and downward comparisons were negatively correlated with collective self-esteem" (Chung & Mallery, 1999, para 14)."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that philosopher John Locke is one of three individuals responsible for developing the social contract theory in 1690. The social contract theory was designed during the time of British rule in a time where Locke felt the government should protect its citizens and those thoughts and theories are believed to be apart of the formation of the United States government involved in the Declaration of Independence and parts of the United States Constitution. The writer discusses that interpretations of the social contract theory extend into modern day society as seen with examples of behavior between prison inmates as well as healthcare afforded under the Eighth Amendment. The writer concludes that although the social contract theory by Locke was developed in 1690, it has shown to be very relative in terms of the standards of today's society.
Outline:
Introduction
Defining Social Contract
Relationship to Criminal Justice
Prison Inmates and the Eighth Amendment
The Social Contract Theory and Urban Environments
Conclusion
From the Paper " The social contract theory has a relationship in the criminal justice field in many aspects. The social contract theory discusses that individuals give up certain freedoms in order to receive protection from the state. An example of the social contract theory can be seen within the prison inmate population and their interactions with each other. As a new inmate enters the prison system, if that inmate does not immediately stand up for themselves they become the prey of other inmates. The more senior inmates sense this and thus offer that inmate protection but at a significant cost. This inmate then gives up their individualism, forced to commit crimes behind bars, and privileges to the inmate offering their protection and becomes property of that inmate."
This paper looks at violent acts committed by children, focusing on the issue of school shootings. This matter is examined through social learning theory.
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses school shootings in the U.S., focusing on the case of Luke Woodham at his violent acts in October of 1998. The writer explains that this case is used as an example of criminal acts that are conducted by children and the case is examined through social learning theory. The foundations of social learning theory are therefore explored and arguments against this theory in relation to school shootings are also discussed. Furthermore, the paper examines how social learning theory can be used as a predictor of school violence and the prevention techniques that have been offered and that must be implemented in order to address the issue. Finally, the response of the criminal justice system to school shootings is explored and conclusions are drawn based on the evidence. The writer concludes that the paper is significant because it examines a serious social issue that affects all members of the social order.
From the Paper "These reinforcements may occur through media, social group beliefs or through philosophies shared by others within the home. Reinforcements suggest that acts of aggression are acceptable, which leads to support for the motivation in committing criminal activity.
"Although it may be suggested by some within the social order that social learning theory can be used as a tool to blame television, movies or video games on the violent acts that are committed by youth, those applying the theory fail to see the complete cycle of events that lead to school shootings. Furthermore, it must be understood that this cycle of events that are discussed in social learning theory occur over an extended period of time, building to the moment of action. Therefore, social learning theory has the ability of not only identifying children that have been negatively impacted by their environment, but also using the information known regarding what affects children negatively to change their lives before violence occurs."
