Modern Criminological Theory: Sociological Explanations

A theory explaining crime as a result of a mismatch between cultural goals (e.g., wealth) and institutional means (e.g., education) for achieving them.

Accepting cultural goals and institutional means to achieve them.

Accepting cultural goals, but rejecting institutional means to achieve them.

Rejecting cultural goals, but accepting institutional means.

Rejecting both cultural goals and institutional means.

Rejecting both cultural goals and institutional means, and wanting to replace them.

Middle-class values (e.g., conformity, discipline) prioritized, potentially disadvantage those from marginalized backgrounds.

Group formed by youth because of unequal access to success within the education system.

These theories suggest crime is primarily caused by environmental, social, economic, or structural factors rather than individual issues.

A group of sociologists who studied crime in Chicago and influenced many later sociological theories of crime.

The breakdown of social norms and values, leaving individuals without clear guidance or direction.

A theory arguing that crime results from a gap between societal goals and the means to achieve them, a lack of opportunity.

A sociologist considered a founder of sociological and criminological approaches.

A category of criminological theories focusing on how society shapes criminal behavior based on sociology.

Crime and deviance can aid in shaping social norms and creating cohesion, for example showing what is acceptable behaviour.

A school of thought that believed criminality was inherited or 'abnormal', in contrast to sociological views.

A theory explaining crime as a response to societal pressures, particularly the inability to achieve valued goals.

An expanded version of Strain Theory, going beyond economic factors to include any source of strain and frustration.

Aspirations or targets considered desirable by society, like economic success or academic achievement.

Experiencing negative situations, people, or events that cause stress or strain.

Losing positive experiences, relationships, or resources that typically contribute to well-being.

Values and beliefs common within less affluent communities, frequently differing from mainstream society.

Behaviors that violate societal norms or laws.

Any pressure to achieve a goal, or discomfort from avoiding it, or from having something negative interfere.

A sociological perspective focused on urban environments and their influence on crime, particularly in the early to mid-20th century.

Theory arguing that crime rates are influenced by the social and structural conditions of a neighborhood, specifically its level of social organization

A model of urban growth that divides cities into concentric circles, each with different characteristics and crime rates. Used to test social disorganization theory

The area in the concentric zone model surrounding the city center, often characterized by high crime rates due to poverty and social problems

Theory that criminal behavior is learned through social interaction with others. Criminality is learned.

The conflict between criminal values and conventional values, with criminal values potentially having more influence in certain environments

The process of rapid population increase that contributed to social and economic problems in cities.

A person's place of residence is a significant factor affecting their likelihood of criminal involvement.