Term Paper on "Deviance and Social Control"

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Deviance and Social Control

Gang development is closely connected to social theories, as there are a series of socioeconomic factors behind the formation and existence of every group of criminals. Cle Sloan's documentary film Bastards of the Party goes at providing the public with insight on gangs, gang members, and the factors influencing them. Several social theories can be employed in studying the movie and the individuals in it, so as to gain a better understanding of the social phenomenon.

People are influenced by society in most of their activities, as it is the cause of almost everything humans do. The subcultural theory is responsible for explaining the phenomena setting off gangs and how gangs operate. When a particular territory is presented with poverty, the individuals in the respective area are predisposed to developing a culture that has different objectives than the majority culture. The people in such an environment influence each other in performing various tasks that are only characteristic to them.

Even though Cle Sloan, the director, was personally involved in performing criminal services for one of the most notorious gangs in Los Angeles - the Bloods, his movie obviously displays a nature meant to inform the general public of the harm performed by gangs in general.

While the movie is a reminder of how gangs are detrimental for society and for each individual who becomes affiliated with them, it is also intended to change the biased thinking that society puts across when dealing with gangs or with people that are associated with such criminal groups.

When living in a neighborhood where cr

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ime is considered to be something ordinary, people have the tendency to disregard criminal activities, being certain that it is perfectly normal for one to resort to crime when the circumstances press the respective person into doing so. In a gang-dominated territory, crime is socially transmitted, with individuals inheriting criminal behavior for those with more influence than them. One can go as far as claiming that crime is transmitted from generation to generation, as children are taught that crime does pay and that there is nothing wrong with being against the law.

"Bastards of the Party" does not hesitate to present the public with the advantages of being part of a gang, but even so it proves that the benefits of leading a criminal life do not compensate the deficiencies coming along with living like this. One of the main factors working against society as a whole is that environments shape people according to the trends they acquaint the masses with, regardless of the values promoted by the world.

It is characteristic for communities to be influence by the most powerful individuals present in them. Thus, most young individuals, or the largest part of those who have less power in a group of people, will certainly feel that they should behave similarly to the most prominent individual in the group in order to have success in their lives.

By committing crime, a number of people receive a lot of benefits and even fame, making it more possible for them to become role models for others. Moreover, by becoming examples for those around them, these unlawful individuals manage to turn crime into something less immoral.

Most like to believe that cities are civilized environments, where crime has less chances of occurring in comparison to rural areas, where people presumably have little access to civilization and law breakers have lesser enemies. Of course, it is ridiculous to think like this, as urbanized territories present criminals with fruitful opportunities to commit illegalities.

The very existence of cities plays a decisive role in the continuation of crime. The chances of a criminal environment developing in an inhabited territory with a small number of people in it are very little, as people are unlikely to find that they have similar objectives relating to crime in such a setting. The ones that are determined to be a part of a subculture are likely to move to urbanized areas, where they expect to find an atmosphere that fits their desires completely.

Being part of a community which promotes a number of norms, people are influenced to come up with new and diverse methods of forming smaller communities, meant to improve their lives by providing them with everything they need, regardless if such a matters involves illegalities or not.

The pro-black movements emerged as a community wanting to be different… READ MORE

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Quoted Instructions for "Deviance and Social Control" Assignment:

“

Deviance and Social control ***** Writing Assignment

The documentary, *****Bastards of the Party,***** examines gangs in Los Angeles. Among the documentary*****s many strengths is its historical perspective. The filmmaker is asking what factors, over a long period of time, contributed to the emergence of African-American gangs in Los Angeles.

You can watch the film online at:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=823834995920990570#

or Google: *****Bastards of the Party***** and it will come up on video.google.com

The assignment is to apply one theory, or a combination of theories and concepts (for example, subcultures), we*****ve discussed in class to analyze the emergence, development, evolution and culture of Los Angeles gangs as presented in the documentary. The essay should not be a description of what *****happens***** in the film (e.g., first, African Americans migrated to Los Angeles, then they were treated bad, then gangs formed to protect themselves, then the Watts riot occurred, then the Black Panther party emerged, etc.). An analysis strives to develop a thesis to explain how and why.

The main theories of deviance and social control that are applicable include (but are not exhaustive):

a. Structural Strain and Anomie Theory; might include *****Goals/Means Gap***** and Cloward and Ohlin*****s *****Illegitimate Means and Delinquent Subcultures.*****

What social structural conditions compelled young black men in Los Angeles to form/join gangs? Consider economic conditions, racism, blocked legitimate opportunities/illegitimate opportunities.

b. Social Learning Theory; this may include Hirschi*****s Social Control Theory.

Socialization is a fundamental factor in this approach. How did the social conditions of African Americans in Los Angeles impact socialization of young black men? You can consider any or all of of the decades examined in the film.

c. Conflict Theory ***** any or combination of different versions.

Consider the power and relations in Los Angeles. How did/does the *****white power structure***** treat African Americans, from the 1940s through to the present (social control)? Consider segregation, the police, economic downturn, etc. What was response of black community in Los Angeles, especially the different generations of young people?

d. Labeling Theory (may include Stigma and Development of Self)

Throughout the film institutionalized racism (systematic racism through social institutions ***** economic, political, etc.) is demonstrated; and labeling and its outcomes of exclusion and treatment of *****deviants***** is a major aspect of racism. How and why did racism and labeling contribute to emergence and development of early and later forms of black gangs in Los Angeles?

To Repeat: These are just some of the ways of approaching and analyzing the film. Use your imagination and interest in devising your own approach.

In a short paper it is impossible to discuss every aspect covered in the film, or every theoretical model that contributes to explaining the social issue. I recommend that you focus on a particular aspect or factor, and theory(s) and concepts that help explain that aspect.

Your discussion should include a specific explanation of the theory(s) and concepts you are using. When appropriate, use examples from the documentary.

Your discussion should be based on, and reference, not only the film but course material ***** the textbook and relevant handout readings.

Format

1. 3-5 pages, typed. This does not include title or references pages.

2. Essay format

3. Double spaced, 12 point font

4. Paginate (number the pages)

5. Correct citation of readings, quotes, etc. ***** I will deduct points.

a. In text of essay, cite source of information/evidence: for example (Thio 2009,210)

b. You must include a Reference page, with full citation of sources referenced in text of essay.

6. Spell and grammar check ***** I will deduct points

7. Above all ***** don*****t plagiarize! For information on plagiarism, as well as when and how to properly cite sources, go to the UHD library webpage.

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