SOC 3710 Lecture Notes - Labeling Theory, Longitudinal Study, Anomie

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC 3710
• Professor: Bill O' Grady

Document Summary

Causal theories of crime look at factors of why youth commit crime. We want to know why certain youth offend but others don"t. Critical theories on the other hand, look at both the rule makers and the rule breakers in a broader societal analysis. Types of strain: economic strain, unable to achieve positive goals: there"s something you want, or some way you want to be, but you can"t reach the goal. Linked to the idea of frustration and aggression: something of value is taken away from you, negative events. These strains can happen in conjunction with each other. A lot of kids experience these things, but not everyone reacts the same way to them. Social supports function to prevent kids from reacting negatively as a result of these strains: agnew looked at the different responses of girls and boys. When females feel strain, they often get frustration that is inwardly expressed.