Description
View the following Theories of Crime videos in CJ Criminology.
Social Structure Theories section:
- Theory Explained
Social Process Theories section:
- Theory Explained
Social Conflict Theories section:
- Theory Explained
Read the instructions in the Examining Theory document and select one of the following options to complete the assignment.
- Option 1: Social Structure Theory Paper
- Option 2: Social Process and Social Development Theory Paper
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Word count required – 2,100 to 2,450
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Explanation & Answer
Attached.
Running head: SOCIAL STRUCTURE THEORY PAPER
Social Structure Theory Paper
Name
Institution
Date
1
SOCIAL STRUCTURE THEORY PAPER
2
Introduction
Social structure theory provides a significant understanding of how the social environment
plays an integral role in dictating crime within a given social setting. It highlights that a socially
disorganized society is likely to have a higher level of crime due to the existing dysfunctional
resources within the system. Socioeconomic structure encompasses some critical issues, which
reflect on individual well-being, and the level of intelligence in making informed decisions. It
includes both incomes, educational status of an individual, financial security, and perceptions
regarding individual social status and class. Socioeconomic state, therefore, has a more significant
influence on how an individual can interact with others within a given social environment. It also
involves the quality of life and the opportunities available from people within a given society.
Therefore, the video that will provide the basis of the paper is the "Pelican Bay State Prison: War
Zone." The key aspects that will be discussed in this paper include how the video supports the
social structure theory, the primary subject considered in the video, social issues highlighted,
significant principles of the social structure theory and the possible consequences of social policy
change.
Crime within the social environment is propagated by common socioeconomic factors,
which shape the lives of the individual within a given social context. An individual who is
financially unstable would consider crime as an option in which they can become even with others
who are stable within the society. Not everyone is privileged within the society. This means that
the different social classes and status that individuals have within the community have a more
considerable influence on their overall involvement in the crime. An individual who is in a lower
class would most likely wish to live the lives of those in upper social classes. They are therefore
SOCIAL STRUCTURE THEORY PAPER
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motivated to follow the shortest route possible to bridge the existing gap, and as a result, crime is
the only option that they have.
Engagement in crime is more associated with the poor since they struggle to have the
necessary needs, which leaves them with no option as to how they can be able to live considerably
comfortable. The socioeconomic structure has been organized in a very awkward way where there
is a more considerable difference between the existing socioeconomic structures. Individuals in
lower social structures are motivated to adopt crime as the only way they can live a better and
comfortable life. The limited chances that poor people have in life makes it almost impossible to
live a crime-free life.
H...