Instruction
A. Anderson explains how poor, inner-city, black neighborhoods develop certain cultural characteristics that can be conducive to criminal activity. In particular, his code of the street differentiates between "decent people" and "street people." Other criminological theories that we have covered in this course have also considered the role of culture in explaining the relationship between social class and crime rates.
Select a criminological theory, other than Anderson’s, which we have covered in this course. (Chose either; A Theory of Differential Association by Edwin H. Sutherland and Donald R, Cressey, or Social Bond Theory, by Travis Hirschi. Then, in 800 words and in APA format (intext citation needed to include page and paragraph number) respond to the following:
• Briefly explain Anderson’s position on the relationship between culture, race, and social class.
• Consider the theory you have selected and explain how race, social class, and culture are related in that perspective.
• Discuss the similarities and differences between these two perspectives. How does each theory explain the higher crime rates in poor, black neighborhoods vis-à-vis affluent, white neighborhoods?
B. Travis Hirschi developed two important control theories—social control (or social bonding) and self-control. This discussion will have you apply these two theories to a case study in order to discern their strengths and weaknesses.
In August 2011, several cities in London, England experienced widespread rioting, looting, and arson. The U.K. prime minister, David Cameron, blamed the crimes, in part, on bad parenting. Listen to this statement:
Cameron blames lack of morality, bad parenting.
Please watch this brief video (Links to video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GxdGO5Df-w ) [Video, 00:25 minutes] and read the transcript (Links transcript of the entire speech. https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2011/08/society-fight-work-rights )
Then, in 800 words and in APA format (intext citation needed to include page and paragraph number) respond to the following:
•Explain how both social control and self-control theories would explain the relationship between parenting and these kinds of crimes.
•Which theory do you find more convincing and why? Provide examples to substantiate your response.