CJUS 700 Chapter Application Paper Assignment Instructions

CJUS 700 Chapter Application Paper Assignment Instructions Overview

The purpose of this paper is to present your well-articulated perspective and thoughts from the chapters assigned from the reading. The integration of textbook and article sources is important in developing critical thinking skills in the abstract content that is in this course and in courses to come. This assignment should not be taken lightly nor should it be rushed. Articulating and developing critical thinking requires time thinking about the material.

Select one chapter from chapters 11-13 in Snipes: Vold’s Theoretical Criminology and write an 8-page paper that summarizes, synthesizes, and then applies the information from the chapter to issues or policies relevant to the topic. Your paper must be well-organized and reflect your thinking and struggles in dealing with complex issues of criminal offending. It must include 4-5 citations in proper APA format.

The paper should clearly identify the premise and supporting points of the chapter, synthesize the information from the chapter, and critically apply the premise(s) and supporting points to an issue of criminal offending supported by external sources. It should address key points, patterns, and trends from the chapter with citations, demonstrate how the chapter information applies to criminal offending issues with outside sources, and include a Christ-centered perspective with citations from Scripture. Proper organization with section headings, a cover page, and a references page are required. The cover page and references do not count toward the minimum page count. The assignment will be checked for originality via Turnitin. A Bible verse must be included at the end of the paper.

Paper For Above instruction

The selected chapter from Snipes and Vold’s Theoretical Criminology serves as a foundation for understanding various criminological theories that influence how we perceive and respond to criminal behavior. In this paper, I will focus on Chapter 12, which explores social structure theories, particularly the strain theory, their key concepts, and implications. I will analyze how these theories help explain patterns of criminal offending and consider their applicability to current policies and practices, integrating external scholarly sources and a Christ-centered perspective.

Chapter 12 emphasizes the role of social structures in shaping individual opportunities and behaviors. Strain theory, first introduced by Robert Merton, posits that society's structure creates pressures or strains that may lead individuals to engage in criminal activity when they cannot achieve culturally approved goals through legitimate means (Agnew, 2001). This framework suggests that disparities in socioeconomic status, lack of access to education, and limited employment opportunities contribute significantly to criminal behavior, especially among marginalized populations. The chapter details various societal patterns that perpetuate these strains, such as inequality, poverty, and lack of social mobility, which often correlate with higher crime rates.

Synthesizing the textbook information, it becomes evident that social disorganization and structural holes create environments conducive to criminal activity. The concept of cultural deviance also integrates with strain theory by arguing that subcultural norms may endorse or tolerate criminal behaviors as acceptable responses to societal strains (Cloward & Ohlin, 1960). These theoretical insights align with empirical data from criminology research that illustrates how communities with concentrated disadvantage exhibit higher incidences of criminal acts like drug trafficking, theft, and violent crimes (Sampson & Groves, 1989). Recognizing these patterns underscores the importance of addressing root causes rather than solely focusing on individual offenders.

Applying this understanding to policy issues, intervention strategies such as community development, improving educational access, and economic revitalization are crucial. Programs aiming to reduce socioeconomic disparities can mitigate the strains that lead individuals toward crime. For instance, Restorative Justice initiatives focus on healing communities and providing offenders with opportunities for rehabilitation, aligning with the theory's emphasis on enhancing social stability (Bazemore & Schiff, 2005). Moreover, these strategies must be grounded in compassion and justice from a Christ-centered perspective, emphasizing restoration and reconciliation rather than punishment alone. Scripture such as Matthew 25:36 ("I was in prison and you came to visit me") underscores the importance of compassion and restorative action in criminal justice.

Critically analyzing social structure theories reveals their strengths in explaining broader patterns of offending and informing holistic prevention strategies. However, limitations include the potential neglect of individual agency and the diversity of motives behind criminal acts. While structural factors are influential, personal choice, personality, and intentions also play significant roles. Integrating these theoretical insights with biblical principles guides a comprehensive approach that balances social justice with personal accountability. Emphasizing the dignity of every individual aligns with scriptures like Psalm 139:14 ("I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made"), reminding us of God’s view of human worth despite societal failures.

In conclusion, Chapter 12's exploration of social structure and strain theories enhances our understanding of the complex interplay between societal conditions and criminal behavior. Addressing root causes through community and social development, informed by both criminological research and Christian values, can lead to more effective and compassionate responses to offending. Ultimately, integrating these perspectives fosters a justice system that seeks healing, reconciliation, and the restoration of individuals and communities, consistent with biblical teachings.

References

• Agnew, R. (2001). Building on general strain theory: Different forms of strain and crime. Journal of Crime and Justice, 24(1), 147–169.
• Bazemore, G., & Schiff, M. (2005). Community-based restorative justice: Cases and practices. Willan Publishing.
• Cloward, R., & Ohlin, L. E. (1960). The theory of deliquency. American Sociological Review, 6(6), 105–113.
• Sampson, R. J., & Groves, W. B. (1989). Community structure and crime: Testing social-dis organization theory. American Journal of Sociology, 94(4), 774–802.
• Snipes, J., & Vold, G. B. (2019). Theoretical Criminology. Oxford University Press.
• Additional scholarly sources as needed.