Research Paper on "Criminological Theory Self-Control Theory vs. Differential Association"

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Criminological Theory

Self-Control Theory vs. Differential Association Theory

The term 'deviance' is a difficult one to assess objectively. Its implications are of an act, pattern of behavior or psychology which reflects a clear and significant divergence from sociological norms. However, this is a definition that is inherently riddled with philosophical problems. Particularly, it is unclear exactly how these divergences are defined and who is entitled to define them. Yet, it is also typically clear that in cases where criminal behavior, violence or depravity of an extreme nature have occurred, some degree of deviance may be easily identified. This denotes that while there is a cause to define deviance as a way of understanding those divergences which reflect a direct danger to society or civil order, it has often been done at the expense of those whose personal lifestyle decisions may harmlessly diverge from societal norms or at the expense of those who exist in subcultures where allegedly deviant behaviors have become the norm. In a sense, both of these dimensions would apply to my discussions with three subjects who described pertinent 'misadventures of their youth' to the benefit of my research process. In the discussions that would ensure, the three respondents would induce consideration of the way that both Developmental and Social Learning models may apply to the deviant behaviors sometimes inherent to youth.

Before proceeding into an assessment of their various misadventures, it is appropriate to select the theoretical constructs which may best help to evaluate the claims of our respondents. Therefore, Gottfreddson & Hirschi's theory of self

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-control is invoked to demonstrate the Developmental Approach and Sutherland's Differential Association Theory is invoked to demonstrated the Social Learning Approach. Sutherland's differential association theory argues that "criminal behavior is learned in interaction with other persons in a process of communication." (Mork, 1) Such is to say that in a broader system where corruption or otherwise deviant behavior is epidemic, those involved in criminal or deviant activities have been bred into such roles by their access to others of a similar orientation. This suggests both that criminal behavior is learned rather than inborn and that those engaged in this may view such behavior as ultimately yielding desirable results. This theory descends from the premise that for most criminals, there is a process of decision-making which concerns either favorable or unfavorable interpretation of the law. Where one is particularly enveloped in a culture where this interpretation is predominantly negative, one will be inclined to diverge from legal parameters.

By contrast, our consideration of the low self-control theory, a strand of the General Theory of Crime will instead relate such criminal behavior to the definitive nature of crime and the individual deviance of criminals. Thus, according to Gottfredson & Hirschi (1990), the General Theory of Crime "grants the basic thrust of the classical and of the positivist traditions, where the former focuses on the criminal act, or crime, and the latter on the properties of the act, or criminal." (p. 3) This integration of characteristics produces the view that expressive impulses concerning individual traits of criminality are primary in the consent to criminal behavior. The text by Wright (2008) relates this particularly to the condition of self-control as this develops during an individuals youth. According to Wright, "Gottfredson and Hirschi's (1990) low self-control theory. . . holds that children develop levels of self-control by about ages seven or eight, and these levels remain relatively stable the rest of their lives. Children with low levels of self-control end up being more prone to crime, and their criminal propensity continues into later life." (p. 1) As this contrast's Sutherland's model, there may be a total absence of rationality in the outcomes of this approach to one's action choices affairs. This points to a sweeping argument by Gottfredson and Hirschi as to the heavy tipping of the balance toward irrationality in our understanding of 'crime,' 'criminals,' and deviant behavior.

This brings us to consideration of the three respondents addressed during my research process. Each of these was asked to describe a behavior in which he or she participating as a youth which might have been viewed as deviant or divergent from social norms. I found that two of these behaviors were easily explicable within the context of one of… READ MORE

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Quoted Instructions for "Criminological Theory Self-Control Theory vs. Differential Association" Assignment:

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Task Description:

The research paper requires a reasonable amount of background research into a criminological topic. It is designed to encourage you to develop analytic skills in the application and interpretation of criminological theory. The paper provides an opportunity to think critically about how data may support or not support theoretical explanations.

Your paper will involve a reasonable amount of library research. As such, you should familiarise yourself with the SS&H library as soon as possible. Given that your assignment will be informed by theories as well as empirical research, you should also familiarise yourself with the periodical listings and databases. You must rely only on academically relevant sources, such as monographs or peer reviewed journal articles. Avoid magazines, unofficial websites and textbooks.

You need to select two theoretical perspectives to inform your paper. You can choose one theory which takes a developmental approach (e.g. Moffitt*****s dual taxonomy of anti-social behaviour or Gottfredson and Hirschi*****s theory of self-control) and one theory which takes a social learning (e.g. Sutherland*****s differential association theory, or Aker*****s social learning theory) or a social control approach (e.g. Hirschi*****s social bonds theory or Matza*****s delinquency and drift). This will allow you to compare the merits of a developmental explanation for deviance with a theory that considers social processes as central to norm violations.

You need to talk to three individuals over the age of 18 years about a "misadventure in their youth" (i.e. their involvement in some kind of deviant behaviour). The behaviour should not be criminal, but merely something anti-social or non-normative (e.g. skipping school, smoking at school). You need to pre-plan your interviews: think about the key concepts of your two chosen perspectives to guide the types of questions that you ask. For example, in your discussions, you might obtain information on how the behaviour started, how frequently it occurred, whether it was done with others, and the social circumstances of the interviewee at the time. The interview should be no longer than 30 minutes per person. (Please make sure that you explain to each person that you are gathering information for a class assignment, and that no information will be identifiable.) Based on these discussions, students should write up 100-150 word summary or case study for each person*****'s experiences, ensuring that they remain anonymous. These summaries should be attached as an appendix to your paper.

In your paper, you should provide an analysis of the interview findings by comparing and contrasting the explanations of your two chosen theoretical perspectives. Your paper should include a brief summary of each perspective, and come to a supported conclusion about which theoretical perspective works best. Questions to think about in writing up your paper include: What are the common themes across the case studies? What are the differences? Do the selected theories apply equally well to all case studies? Why might it not be as useful in some cases? What else may limit your conclusions? Make sure that you refer to examples from the case studies to support your arguments.

The paper is not meant to be a literature review on the chosen theoretical approaches; however, you should refer to sources, where relevant and appropriate (e.g. summary of the theory; if a particular relationship is important--like peers--you should refer to findings in academic research literature). Where used, your paper must include proper citation and reference of appropriate sources using an APA forma.Appropriate sources include monographs, journal articles, and government reports. Newspaper and magazine articles and internet webpages will not be considered appropriate sources.

Your paper should be 1,200-1,500 words (plus 300-450 word appendix), double-spaced and typed (in 12 pt font), and must include a list of references (using APA format). *****

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