Search Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles On Sociological Theory ✓ Solved

Search peer-reviewed journal articles on sociological theory

Search the Internet and the Walden Library for a peer-reviewed journal article that closely relates to your beliefs and one that refutes your position about the sociological theory of crime. Post a brief synopsis of the articles you found in your research and explain how these articles support and refute your personal beliefs about the sociological theory of crime. Use APA format and guidelines within your post to support your explanation. Put the sociological theory of crime you described in the first line of your post. Support your postings and responses with specific references to the resources or your research.

Paper For Above Instructions

The sociological theory of crime posits that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others, influenced by the social environment. This perspective emphasizes that individuals are shaped by their community interactions, including family, peers, and societal norms. In this discussion, I will analyze two peer-reviewed articles that reflect my beliefs about the sociological theory of crime and another that challenges my views.

The first article, "The Impact of Race and Youth Cohort Size: An Analysis of Juvenile Drug Possession Arrest Rates" by Lee and Schulenberg (2010), examines how demographic factors, specifically race and cohort size, affect juvenile arrest rates for drug possession. The authors assert that sociological factors play a significant role in shaping youthful offending patterns. Their findings indicate that certain racial and social dynamics can either exacerbate or alleviate juvenile delinquency rates. This aligns with the sociological perspective, demonstrating that external factors significantly influence crime rates. The article supports my belief that social factors, including race and environment, are critical determinants of criminal behavior. Lee and Schulenberg's analysis of demographic influences emphasizes that understanding crime requires examining broader social contexts rather than viewing individuals as isolated actors.

Conversely, the article "Collective Efficacy, Authoritative Parenting, and Delinquency: A Longitudinal Test of a Model Integrating Family-Level Processes" by Simons et al. (2005), while rooted in sociological theory, also introduces an opposing view regarding the role of individual and family dynamics in criminal behavior. This study highlights the importance of parental influence and community cohesion on delinquency, suggesting that while social and environmental contexts are important, the immediate family setting can be a pivotal factor in either reinforcing or mitigating criminal behavior. This perspective challenges my belief by implying that a stronger emphasis on family dynamics may provide more insight into preventing youth crime than broader social factors alone.

In another article by Warner (2003), titled "The Role of Attenuated Culture in Social Disorganization Theory," the author argues that cultural dynamics within neighborhoods contribute significantly to crime rates. Warner’s analysis reinforces the sociological perspective by demonstrating how weakened neighborhood ties can lead to increased crime. This article reinforces the notion that community structure and cultural cohesion are critical in shaping delinquent behaviors. Both Warner's and Lee’s findings converge on the point that social constructs play a vital role in understanding crime, asserting that crime is not purely an individual failure but rather a product of social disorganization.

In summary, Lee and Schulenberg’s (2010) study supports my belief that societal factors are paramount in understanding crime, as they unveil demographic nuances influencing juvenile delinquency. On the other hand, Simons et al. (2005) argue that while social context is crucial, family dynamics deserve equal attention when addressing crime prevention. This interplay suggests a multi-faceted approach to understanding criminal behavior, blending social and familial influences. Together, these articles highlight that an integrated sociological theory should encompass various dimensions, recognizing the interconnectedness of community, family, and individual actions in understanding criminal phenomena.

References

• Lee, C., & Schulenberg, J. L. (2010). The impact of race and youth cohort size: An analysis of juvenile drug possession arrest rates. Journal of Drug Issues, 40(3), 653–679.
• Simons, R. L., Simons, L. G., Burt, C. H., Brody, G. H., & Cutrona, C. (2005). Collective efficacy, authoritative parenting, and delinquency: A longitudinal test of a model integrating family-level processes. Criminology, 43(4), 989–1029.
• Warner, B. (2003). The role of attenuated culture in social disorganization theory. Criminology, 41(1), 73–98.
• Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2011). Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach. Pearson.
• Rhineberger-Dunn, G. & Carlson, S. M. (2011). An analysis of the mediating effects of social relations and controls on neighborhood crime victimization. Western Criminology Review, 12(1), 15–34.
• Roh, S., & Choo, T. M. (2008). Looking inside zone V: Testing social disorganization theory in suburban areas. Western Criminology Review, 9(1), 1–16.
• Burt, C. H. (2009). Social disorganization theory: A new approach. Sociological Spectrum, 29(1), 45-67.
• Kubrin, C. E. (2014). Sociological theories of criminal behavior II. Laureate Education
• Gottschalk, M. (2012). Societal impact of crime and punishment. Journal of Criminal Justice, 40(5), 385-397.
• Hirschi, T. (1969). Causes of Delinquency. University of California Press.