Research Theories Related To Gender And Crime

Research theories related to gender and crime using the textbook, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet

Natalie will be one of the first in her family to earn a college degree. She is determined to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology and then possibly go on to a master’s degree, or even a doctorate. However, these dreams need to deal with reality. She has two children to raise on her own, and has to stay active with work as well as her children’s lives. She is proud of her accomplishments and hopes that her children will go as far, if not further with their education.

Natalie’s two brothers did not seem to have the same chances. Her oldest brother seems to have the most difficult time. He was always angry as a teenager and got suspended from school on a number of occasions due to fights. Once, he got into an altercation with a teacher and hit the teacher pretty hard; he was expelled from school. He took his GED at a boys’ boot camp run by the sheriff’s office.

When he was released at the age of eighteen, he had a difficult time landing a job and worked on and off as a day laborer. He was later arrested for stealing tools from a construction site and sent back to jail. This only seemed to increase his anger towards everyone. Natalie stopped visiting him and now keeps in touch sporadically. The last she heard, he was working odd jobs and relying on alcohol and drugs.

Natalie wonders why her brother has turned out so different. Of course, they all had the same childhood, and their father was an abusive alcoholic. But all the more reason, she thought, her brothers would choose a different path. She wondered if they had the same choices as she did. Did being a male make life harder?

She always thought men had it easier in life. She wondered if her brothers were to blame for their decisions and life choices, or if they ever had a real choice at all. She felt frustrated that, with all her psychology courses, she still could not tell why her brothers turned out so differently. Research theories related to gender and crime using the textbook, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet. Identify scholarly, peer-reviewed sources for use in this assignment.

Based on the scenario, your readings and research, respond to the following: Select at least two different, contemporary theories that would apply to the case. Employ the theories to explain why Natalie and her brothers have chosen different paths in life. Give reasons in support of your responses. Write your initial response in 4–6 paragraphs. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the divergent life paths of Natalie and her brothers through the lens of contemporary criminological theories offers valuable insights into the influence of gender and environmental factors on criminal behavior. Two prominent theories—Control Theory and Differential Association Theory—are particularly relevant in explaining these differences within the context of their upbringing, personal choices, and societal influences.

Control Theory, developed by Travis Hirschi, posits that strong social bonds and attachments prevent individuals from engaging in criminal behavior (Hirschi, 1969). For Natalie, her commitment to education, her children, and her aspirations reflect robust social bonds that serve as protective factors against deviant behavior. Her motivation to succeed academically and provide a better future for her children exemplifies the importance of positive social attachments. Conversely, her brother’s weakened social bonds, evidenced by his turbulent school life, juvenile delinquency, and subsequent criminal activities, suggest a lack of effective social controls (Miller, 2010). His feelings of anger, coupled with insufficient positive reinforcement from family and community, may have contributed to his antisocial behavior. Thus, the absence or weakness of social bonds can predispose individuals toward criminal conduct, especially when compounded by adverse childhood experiences like family abuse and exposure to violence.

Differential Association Theory, proposed by Edwin Sutherland, emphasizes that criminal behavior is learned through associations with others who endorse deviant values (Sutherland & Cressey, 1978). Natalie's brother's environment, characterized by exposure to criminal acts, substance abuse, and anger, likely reinforced pro-criminal attitudes, shaping his behavior (Akers, 2017). His association with peers or adults involved in criminal activities during adolescence could have facilitated the internalization of criminal norms, leading to his subsequent life choices. In contrast, Natalie's environment, shaped by her educational pursuits and desire for stability, likely exposed her to pro-social values, which discouraged delinquency. The theory underscores that whether an individual becomes involved in crime depends heavily on their social environment and the norms they adopt from their immediate networks.

Gender differences, as explored through these theories, also play a crucial role in understanding these life trajectories. Traditionally, males may experience different social controls and expectations compared to females, which can influence their propensity for criminal behavior (Paternoster & Bushway, 2009). The societal expectation that men are to be assertive or aggressive might have contributed to her brother's anger and violent tendencies, while Natalie’s societal role as a caregiver and nurturer reinforced her motivation toward educational achievement. These gender roles, coupled with environmental and social factors, interact to shape individual pathways, ultimately affecting the likelihood of engaging in criminal activity or pursuing pro-social endeavors.

In conclusion, employing Control Theory and Differential Association Theory provides a comprehensive explanation for the contrasting life choices of Natalie and her brothers. Control Theory highlights the importance of strong social bonds in preventing delinquency, which Natalie exemplifies through her educational and familial commitments, whereas her brother’s weakened bonds facilitated deviance. Differential Association emphasizes the role of learned behaviors through social interactions, which dynamic environments and peer influences can reinforce either pro-social or anti-social norms. Recognizing the influence of gender and social context is essential for developing targeted interventions to prevent criminal behavior and promote positive life outcomes.

References

• Akers, R. L. (2017). Social learning and social structure: A general theory of crime and deviance. Routledge.
• Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of delinquency. University of California Press.
• Miller, J. M. (2010). Crime, control, and community: Understanding the crime problem. Oxford University Press.
• Paternoster, R., & Bushway, S. (2009). Theoretical developments in labeling theory. Crime & Justice, 38(1), 255-295.
• Sutherland, E. H., & Cressey, D. R. (1978). Principles of criminology (3rd ed.). Lippincott.