Crime and deviance

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by using his own Strain Theory. In this, Merton suggests that people are socialised into wanting particular things, such as nice houses or cars, etc. However, the majority of people lack the means to achieve these goals. According to Merton, it is this that causes a strain in the structure of society (I.e. there is a conflict between what people have been socialised to expect and what they can realistically achieve through legal means.) Merton argues that this is what leads people to crime and deviance, when trying to find an alternative route to gaining what they want, not through cultural transmission.

Sutherland & Cressey developed Differential Association theory in 1966, after they criticised Cultural transmission theory for being too vague. In their theory they suggest that individuals are more likely to become involved in criminal activities if they receive positive definitions from others around them. This means if people socialise with other people who are involved ...

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own theory. In his theory, he suggests that crime has an integrated function. That is it serves to increase levels of social solidarity (brings the law-abiding people closer together) when there is a moral panic. However, Durkheim also suggests that if the crime level increases too far, it would have the opposite effect; it would serve to weaken moral order and create a state of anomie (normlessness). Therefore, Durkheim would argue that the Differential Association theory was incorrect in its explanation why Crime and Deviance occurs. Although Durkheim’s theory does not provide an explanation for the existence of crime & deviance, so it would appear that Differential Association Theory is ...

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