Analyzing Theories Of Crime You Are An Investigator

Analyzing Theories Of Crimeyou Are An Investigat

Choose a specific crime from the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program at the US Department of Justice, The Federal Bureau of Investigation, and research it using the textbook, online library resources, and the Internet. Include the UCR and other crime reports in your research. Develop a presentation that defines the crime, summarizes demographics of perpetrators and victims—including gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other diversity issues—and applies two theories of crime causes discussed in the course. Compare and contrast these theories, explain their relevance to the chosen crime and demographics, and propose your own hypothesis and a combined theory supported by scholarly sources. The presentation must include a title slide, speaker notes, and a reference slide, totaling 10–15 slides with proper APA citation formatting.

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of crime and its underlying causes is fundamental to understanding criminal behavior and developing effective strategies for prevention and intervention. In this paper, I focus on a specific crime—armed robbery—in the United States, analyzing its definitions, demographics, relevant theories, and proposing a comprehensive explanation based on scholarly research.

Definition of the Crime

Armed robbery is a crime defined legally as the unlawful taking of property from a person or in their presence, against their will, through the use or threat of force with a firearm or weapon (FBI, 2009). The legal definition emphasizes the use of violence or threat to intimidate victims and involves elements of force, threat, and possession of a weapon. Non-legal definitions often highlight the predatory nature of the act, emphasizing the violation of personal safety and property rights (Siegel, 2015).

Demographics of Perpetrators and Victims

According to FBI reports and crime data, armed robbery predominantly affects young adult males, often in urban settings. Data suggests that male perpetrators account for approximately 85% of robbery offenders (FBI, 2009). Ethnically, African American males are disproportionately represented, constituting around 50% of arrests for robbery, despite comprising roughly 13% of the U.S. population (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2018). Socioeconomic factors play a significant role; many offenders come from lower-income neighborhoods with limited access to economic opportunities (Hipp et al., 2010). Victims are often civilians, with vulnerable populations such as the elderly being disproportionately targeted, and the majority of victims are also from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds (FBI, 2009). Gender distribution among victims shows that women and the elderly are more frequently victimized, reflecting their vulnerability during robberies (Rengert & Weiden, 2000).

Theories of Crime Causation

Two prominent theories explaining robbery are Routine Activity Theory and Strain Theory. Routine Activity Theory posits that crime occurs when three elements converge: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of capable guardianship (Cohen & Felson, 1979). This theory emphasizes situational factors and routine daily activities that create opportunities for crime. It is developmentally rooted in an environmental and situational context, advocating for situational prevention strategies. On the other hand, Strain Theory suggests that social structures exert pressure on individuals to achieve goals, and when legitimate means are blocked, individuals may resort to crime (Merton, 1938). Strain arises from socioeconomic deprivation, social marginalization, and cultural forces pushing individuals toward criminal behavior as an adaptive response to stressors.

The main theorists associated with Routine Activity Theory include Cohen and Felson, who introduced the concept in 1979, emphasizing environmental and routine factors influencing crime rates. Merton (1938), a pioneer in Strain Theory, argued that societal structures and the pursuit of success often lead individuals to criminal methods when legitimate opportunities are limited.

Comparing these theories reveals that Routine Activity Theory focuses on situational factors, while Strain Theory emphasizes underlying societal pressures and disparities. Routine Activity Theory explains the immediate opportunity for crimes like robbery, where a motivated offender encounters suitable targets with insufficient guardianship, often in urban, low-income areas. Strain Theory explains why individuals in impoverished communities may turn to crime due to blocked social mobility and economic hardship, aligning with demographic patterns of offenders.

Proposed Hypothesis and a Combined Theory

Based on the research, I hypothesize that armed robbery results from a confluence of situational opportunities and societal economic pressures. Specifically, individuals facing socioeconomic strain may be more motivated and exposed to criminal opportunities, especially when routine activities in disadvantaged neighborhoods increase contact with suitable targets under minimal guardianship. I propose a combined "Transactional-Structural" theory where situational factors (routine activity elements) interact dynamically with societal stressors (strain) to produce criminal behavior.

This integrated approach aligns with empirical studies showing that crime peaks in urban areas with high poverty, low social cohesion, and routine activity patterns that facilitate offender-target encounters (Brantingham & Brantingham, 1995). It also incorporates the idea that societal structure and individual motivation are interconnected, influencing criminal behavior synergistically (Miethe, 2014).

Supporting Evidence

Research indicates that crime occurs most frequently in areas characterized by high residential mobility, unemployment, and lack of social institutions—conditions conducive to both routines of routine activity and societal strain (Sampson & Groves, 1989). Moreover, offenders often rationalize their actions through perceptions of economic deprivation and social dislocation, supporting the integration of societal and situational factors (Wilkinson & Pickett, 2010).

Conclusion

Understanding armed robbery through both Routine Activity and Strain Theory provides a comprehensive view of its causes. Situational opportunity and societal stressors are interconnected in producing criminal incidents, especially among marginalized populations. Recognizing these factors can inform targeted prevention strategies, such as neighborhood surveillance, community engagement, and economic development programs to address the root causes and opportunities for crime.

References

  • Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2018). Criminal Offender Statistics. U.S. Department of Justice.
  • Cohen, L., & Felson, M. (1979). Social change and crime rate trends: A Routine Activity approach. American Sociological Review, 44(4), 588-608.
  • FBI. (2009). Crime in the United States, 2008. Federal Bureau of Investigation.
  • Hipp, J. R., et al. (2010). Neighborhood context and violence: An examination of the role of community institutions. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 26(3), 301-320.
  • Merton, R. K. (1938). Social Structure and Anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.
  • Miethe, T. D. (2014). Crime and social structure: Theory and research. Routledge.
  • Rengert, G. F., & Weiden, P. (2000). Victimization and Crime Prevention. Elsevier.
  • Sampson, R. J., & Groves, W. B. (1989). Community Structure and Crime: Testing Social Disorganization Theory. American Journal of Sociology, 94(4), 774-802.
  • Siegel, L. J. (2015). Criminology: The Core (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
  • Wilkinson, R., & Pickett, K. (2010). The Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone. Penguin Books.

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