Assignments Rubric (General): Rubrics Specific To Each ✓ Solved
Assignments Rubric (General): Rubrics specific to each
Write a two-page, double-spaced paper analyzing a provided news article using criminological theories learned in Modules 1, 2, and 3. Discuss the elements of the crime, identify the origins of criminal behavior depicted in the case, and explain the dynamics involved from two different theoretical perspectives. The paper should demonstrate understanding of different views of crime and explanations based on distinct criminological schools of thought. Ensure that the analysis is well-structured, well-supported, and adheres to academic writing standards, including proper grammar and formatting. Review the grading rubric carefully to ensure all assignment requirements are met, including content, analysis, and presentation.
Paper For Above Instructions
The case of Robert Kraft involved his alleged solicitation of prostitution at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa, which was under investigation for illegal activities related to prostitution and possible human trafficking. This incident provides a rich context for applying criminological theories to understand criminal behavior, motivations, and the societal response to such crimes. In this paper, I will analyze the crime and behavior of Robert Kraft through the lens of two distinct criminological perspectives: the Classical School and the Strain Theory. These perspectives offer different explanations of criminal behavior and help to understand the dynamics involved in this case.
Understanding the Crime: Elements and Behavioral Origins
The elements of the crime in question—solicitation of prostitution—are relatively straightforward, involving a person offering or agreeing to engage in sexual acts in exchange for monetary compensation. The legal framework classifies such acts as misdemeanors, but they are rooted in broader societal issues related to morality, legality, and social control. The origins of criminal behavior in this case can be linked to various factors, including personal motivations, social environment, and economic incentives. Robert Kraft’s behavior—visiting a massage parlor reputed for illicit activities—reflects underlying motivations that may include desires for pleasure, stress relief, or social status. The case exemplifies how individuals in positions of power can participate in and perpetuate illegal activities, often rationalizing their actions as private or personal choices.
Theoretical Perspectives on Criminal Behavior
To understand Kraft's actions, I will explore two different criminological theories: the Classical School and Strain Theory. Each offers a unique explanation for why individuals commit crimes, grounded in distinct assumptions about human nature and societal influences.
The Classical School
The Classical School of criminology, rooted in Enlightenment principles, posits that individuals are rational actors who make decisions based on weighing the costs and benefits of their actions. According to this perspective, criminal behavior, such as soliciting prostitution, results from a calculation where the perceived benefits outweigh the potential punishments (Cesare Beccaria, 1764). The emphasis is on free will, deterrence, and proportional punishment as means to prevent crime. In Kraft’s case, his decision to visit the spa and engage in solicitation can be seen as a rational choice, influenced by the desire for sexual gratification and social prestige. If the penalties for such behavior are sufficiently strict and certain, this theory suggests that individuals will weigh these risks before acting, potentially deterring future offenses.
The Strain Theory
Contrasting with the rational choice approach, the Strain Theory posits that criminal behavior arises from social pressures and individuals’ inability to achieve culturally valued goals through legitimate means (Merton, 1938). In this view, structural inequalities and economic hardships create strain or frustration, leading some to resort to illegal means to attain success or satisfaction. Applying this theory to Kraft’s case, one could argue that societal pressures to maintain a certain lifestyle, status, or wealth may have influenced his behavior. As a high-profile individual, Kraft might experience intense social strain to uphold a glamorous image, and engaging in illegal activities could be rationalized as a way to cope with or escape from these pressures. The theory suggests that addressing underlying social inequalities may reduce the inclination to commit such crimes.
Analysis of Law Enforcement and Societal Response
The law enforcement’s investigative tactics, such as the use of undercover surveillance and secret videotaping, highlight societal efforts to control and punish prostitution and related crimes. The legal debate surrounding the warrant and the privacy rights involved further complicate the case, illustrating the tension between individual rights and societal interests in maintaining law and order. From a criminological perspective, these enforcement strategies demonstrate a societal attempt to deter criminal networks while also raising questions about due process and civil liberties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, applying the Classical School and Strain Theory to Robert Kraft’s case offers complementary insights into the criminal behavior involved. The rational choice model suggests that Kraft’s decision was based on weighing benefits and risks, with deterrence as a potential preventative measure. The Strain Theory emphasizes the societal pressures and structural factors that may influence such behavior, highlighting the importance of addressing broader social issues. Understanding criminal acts through multiple theoretical lenses enables a more comprehensive approach to crime prevention and societal response, emphasizing the need for both deterrence and social reform.
References
- Beccaria, C. (1764). On Crimes and Punishments.
- Merton, R. K. (1938). Social Structure and Anomie. American Sociological Review.
- Cressey, D. R. (1961). Other People’s Money: A Study in the Social Psychology of Embezzlement. Free Press.
- Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of Delinquency. University of California Press.
- Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A General Theory of Crime. Stanford University Press.
- Bonger, W. (1916). Crime and Economic Conditions. The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology.
- Sykes, G., & Matza, D. (1957). Techniques of Neutralization: A Theory of Delinquency. American Sociological Review.
- Agnew, R. (1992). Foundation for a General Strain Theory of Crime and Delinquency. Criminology.
- Classification of crime types and their societal implications. (2020). Journal of Criminology.
- Deterrence theory and its application in modern law enforcement. (2018). Criminology Review.