WDW101Y1 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Social Disorganization Theory, Social Ecology, Anomie

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Document Summary

Law-violating behavior is an event that occurs after offenders weigh information on their personal needs and the situational factors involved in the difficulty and risk of committing a crime. Crime and delinquency are a function of the presence of motivated offenders, the availability of suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians. People will commit crime and delinquency if they perceive that the benefits outweigh the risks. Crime is a function of the severity, certainty, and speed of punishment. If punishment is severe enough, criminals will not repeat their illegal acts. Keeping known criminals out of circulation will reduce crime rates. Explains why high-risk youths do not constantly engage in delinquent acts. It is not limited by class or other social variables. Can explain fluctuations in crime and delinquency rates. Recognizes the role opportunity plays in criminal behaviour. Crime, especially violence, is a function of diet, vitamin intake, hormonal imbalance, or food allergies.