social structure theories

how society shapes crime

people don't just "decide" to be criminals

the way society is built pushes someone towards crime

social structure as framework

the big system that shapes everyone's life

the chicago school of ecology

how neighborhoods affect crime

ecology

how living things interact with their enviornment

human ecology

how people and places affect each other

social ecology

crime happens most in the "transition zone" (poor crowded areas just outside downtown)

social disorganization

community can't agree on shared values

social capital

trust and connection between neighbors

collective efficacy

neighbors work together less crime

anomie

society's rules break down

when norms collapse, people feel lost

crime rises

mechanical solidarity

old-school farming communities (everyone similar)

organic solidarity

modern industrial societies (everyone different)

institutional anomie theory (IAT)

societies structure itself causes crime

five pillars

economy, family, religion, education, politics

if money dominates the others weaken

more crime

commodification

treating people like products

decommodification

protecting people from market pressure (social programs)

Robert Agnews general strain theory

crime comes from stress and negative emotions

strain

losing something good or facing something bad

anger

the emotion most linked to crime

the bigger, longer, and most recent starin

higher chance of crime

subcultural theories

when people feel left out of mainstream culture, they form their own subcultures

short run hedonism

live for fun now

middle-class measuring rods

poor kids judged by middle-class

rules-> frustration-> crime

opportunity structure theory

if legal paths to success are blocked, people use illegal ones (gangs)

conflict gangs

fight for respect in poor areas

retreatist gangs

escape with drugs/alcohol

criminal gangs

organized for profit

working class values that can lead to more crime (6)

trouble, toughness, smartness, excitement fate, autonomy (doing your own thing)

street gangs today

gangs grow where life is hard

people join for (5)

survival, belonging, family/friends, protection, lack of education, or jobs

policy and prevention

ways to fight crime by fixing social structure

chicago area project (CAP)

keep youth busy

street corner counselors

mentor for teens

war on poverty

reduce poverty

mobilization for youth (MFY)

help finds jobs and education

decommodification

protect people from market pressure