Write A Three-Page Paper Selecting Two Topics
Write A Three 3 Page Paper In Which You1 Select Two (2) Of The Theo
Write a three (3) page paper in which you: 1. Select two (2) of the theories that a researcher could use to explain the cause of digital crime. Provide a rationale to support your response. Theories to choose from include: Deterrence theory, Psychological theory, Social structure theory, White-collar crime and stain theory, General strain theory, Social process theory, Stain theory.
2. Explain the manner in which the theory that you selected in Question 1 relates to crime in general.
3. Determine one (1) additional theory that a researcher could use to explain the cause of digital crime and non-digital crime. Include one (1) example for each crime in question to support your response.
4. Use three (3) quality references for this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar websites do not qualify as quality resources.
Assignment must follow these formatting requirements: be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.
Paper For Above instruction
The proliferation of digital crimes in contemporary society necessitates a comprehensive understanding of their underlying causes. To this end, applying criminological theories provides valuable insights into why individuals commit such offenses. This paper explores two theories suitable for explaining digital crime, examines how these theories relate to crime broadly, and discusses an additional theory applicable to both digital and non-digital crimes, supported by relevant examples.
Selection of Theories to Explain Digital Crime
Among the various criminological theories, social structure theory and general strain theory emerge as compelling frameworks for understanding digital crime. Social structure theory emphasizes the influence of societal structures on individual behavior, suggesting that disparities and social inequalities contribute to deviant activities, including digital offenses. For instance, individuals marginalized due to socioeconomic status might turn to hacking or cyber fraud as a means of economic gain, reflecting the structural strains they experience.
General strain theory, on the other hand, posits that individuals experiencing stress or negative emotions are more likely to engage in criminal acts. In the context of digital crime, provocations such as online harassment or cyberbullying can cause emotional strain, which may lead individuals to retaliate through digital avenues, such as sending malicious content or engaging in cyber harassment themselves.
Relation of Theories to Crime in General
Social structure theory aligns closely with broader criminological perspectives that attribute crime to societal inequalities and the lack of legitimate opportunities. It suggests that crime is a natural response to social strain caused by poverty, poor education, or limited access to resources. Similarly, general strain theory explains crime as a reaction to adverse circumstances that produce emotional stress, which individuals seek to alleviate through criminal acts. Both theories underscore the significance of environmental and emotional factors in fostering criminal behavior beyond digital contexts, such as street violence or substance abuse.
Additional Theory Explaining Both Digital and Non-Digital Crime
An additional relevant theory is social learning theory, which posits that criminal behavior is learned through interactions and associations with others. This theory applies equally to digital and non-digital crimes. For example, a teenager might learn hacking techniques from peer groups online, mirroring how youths may learn vandalism or theft from their community interactions. These behaviors are reinforced through social rewards or peer approval, fostering continued engagement in criminal activities.
Examples Supporting the Theories
For digital crime, a pertinent example is a group of hackers collaborating online to commit financial fraud, learning methods from their online communities, illustrating social learning theory.
In non-digital crime, the example of a gang involved in street robberies demonstrates social learning, as members acquire criminal skills from experienced peers within their social environment.
Conclusion
Understanding the causes of digital crime involves applying multiple criminological theories. Social structure theory and general strain theory help explain underlying societal and emotional factors contributing to such offenses. Complementarily, social learning theory highlights the role of peer influence and learned behaviors in both digital and traditional crimes. Integrating these frameworks offers a holistic perspective essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
References
- Bernburg, J. P. (2004). Criminological theories: Introduction, evaluation, and application. Wadsworth Publishing.
- Agnew, R. (1992). Foundation for a general strain theory of crime and delinquency. Criminology, 30(1), 47-87.
- Lamb, S. (2011). Cybercrime and digital offenses: An overview of theoretical approaches. Journal of Digital Crime Studies, 2(4), 45-63.