CRM/LAW C109 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Criminology, Travis Hirschi
16 Jun 2018
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Iclicker questions
A. Shaw and McKay, founders of the chicago school, described delinquency as
1. Having fairly stable rates by areas of the city
2. A group phenomenon
B. According to Shaw and McKay, high delinquency areas are characterized by
1. Low socioeconomic status
2. Higher rates of recent immigration
C. Which theory would say “a cardinal American virtue, ambition, causes a cardinal
American vice, delinquent behavior?”
1. Strain (correct answer, begins with idea that everyone has same values for
cultural goals, want to get ahead/good job/education yet ironically that
ambition is what motivates delinquent behavior, start with ambition, goals
are blocked, commit crime, frustration relieved. In sum, ambition causes
delinquent behavior)
2. Routine activity
3. Control
4. Cultural deviance
Control & Choice Theories of Crime and Delinquency
●School is the locus of delinquent behavior, it is the embodiment of american dream. But
not everyone is prepared, some are blocked by their preparation which causes
strain/frustration. You still want to be successful so you find alternative method to
achieve goal, which alternative is through delinquency (Strain Theory)
●Strain theory also called frustration theory, this theory needs a strong motivation.
●Four basic steps in strain theory
○Strong value or goal (American dream, education, material goods, admiration by
peers, etc)
○Normal means/route to achieve goal (i.e. thru education, job, etc)
○Blocked (cannot achieve it, there is strain/frustration)
○Use alternative means (appear to be a way to get alternative goal but they
necessarily have to be, i.e. not achieve american dream by stealing cars but it
appears to be)
●Embarrassment of riches problem
●All forces of strain that causes delinquency does not go away but delinquency does
I. Choice theories
A. Control theories are choice theories
B. Deterrence and economic theories
C. Rational choice, situational crime prevention, and routine activities
D. Start with control, then move onto others
Document Summary
In sum, ambition causes delinquent behavior: routine activity, control, cultural deviance. Control & choice theories of crime and delinquency. School is the locus of delinquent behavior, it is the embodiment of american dream. But not everyone is prepared, some are blocked by their preparation which causes strain/frustration. You still want to be successful so you find alternative method to achieve goal, which alternative is through delinquency (strain theory) Strain theory also called frustration theory, this theory needs a strong motivation. Strong value or goal (american dream, education, material goods, admiration by peers, etc) Normal means/route to achieve goal (i. e. thru education, job, etc) Blocked (cannot achieve it, there is strain/frustration) Use alternative means (appear to be a way to get alternative goal but they necessarily have to be, i. e. not achieve american dream by stealing cars but it appears to be) All forces of strain that causes delinquency does not go away but delinquency does.
