SOC212H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Liberal Eugenics, General Strain Theory, Hegemonic Masculinity
1. Crime and Deviance Lecture 11 Future Directions
Situational theories in two directions.
Rebellion et al: biosocial criminology;
-A great deal of research has shown how the environment impacts crime and
deviance (social disorganization theory, strain theory, social control theory)
-Crime is also, however mediated by biological factors: the central nervous system
(the brain), the peripheral nervous system (fight or flight), the endocrine system
(hormones). Looking at in terms of the central, peripheral and hormone system
rather than looking at biology as a single variable, biosocial approaches emphasize
that separate approaches interact to increase or decrease chances of criminality.
Agnew’s general strain theory (GST) extension into biosocial realm:
-General strain theory combines much previous criminological research by
emphasizing how crime is shaped by 5 life domains:
-The self
-The family giving you a bond to society
-The school, major normative system aside from family with outer society
-The peer network new mentors, new authority structures, new role models
-The work environment
-Authors believe that each of these can be seen as interacting with individual biology
GST foundations: criticisms of Merton’s strain theory:
-Is crime a “lower” class phenomena
-Cannot explain “expressive” crimes
-Weak empirical support
-Why do people “adapt” to strain in different ways
Agnew (1992) general strain theory:
-Overhaul of Merton’s strain theory:
-Three types of strain:
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-1) failure to achieve valued goals believing in American dream not being able to
get it,
-2) removal of valued stimuli taking things away from a person that they value
-3) can’t escape noxious stimuli more deviant one, a person who doesn't have
mental health issue addressed, someone is depressed, compulsive, in abusive home,
being bullied being “noxious”
-commonality? All these put a charge in people, produces negative emotional
states/feeling. Puts a “charge” into people motivate reactions.
Agnew (GST)
-Strain negative affective states:
-Anger, fear, frustration, depression
-Can lead to all sorts of delinquency (not just economic crimes)
-illegitimate channels for success (burglary, robbery)
-Attack or escape adversely (assault) or truancy i.e. skip school
-Manage through drugs/alcohol.
-But how do people react to these states?
-Merton modes of adaptation but why rebel vs innovates vs ritualism
-Agnew it depends on coping ability.
Coping strategies:
-Cognitive options: its not that bad
-Behavioural options: constructively reduce strain, seek positive solution
-Factors that facilitate coping: intelligence, problem solving skills, creativity
-Factors that inhibit coping: delinquent peers, criminal dispositions, weak social
bonds, weak moral beliefs. Someone who has drifted from law to crime and
deviance.
-All of these can be seen in the 5 domains.
Review of GST:
-3 sources of strain
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
Crime and deviance lecture 11 future directions. A great deal of research has shown how the environment impacts crime and deviance (social disorganization theory, strain theory, social control theory) Crime is also, however mediated by biological factors: the central nervous system (the brain), the peripheral nervous system (fight or flight), the endocrine system (hormones). Looking at in terms of the central, peripheral and hormone system rather than looking at biology as a single variable, biosocial approaches emphasize that separate approaches interact to increase or decrease chances of criminality. Agnew"s general strain theory (gst) extension into biosocial realm: General strain theory combines much previous criminological research by emphasizing how crime is shaped by 5 life domains: The family giving you a bond to society. The school, major normative system aside from family with outer society. The peer network new mentors, new authority structures, new role models. Authors believe that each of these can be seen as interacting with individual biology.
