From this emerged the consensus position on crime which states that crimes are acts that produce intense moral outrage amongst society (Muncie & McLaughlin, 2003). Not all socially unacceptable acts are ‘crimes’. Some acts can be seen just as wrong or immoral but do not have laws against them, these are deviant acts. Deviance is defined in the dictionary as “deviating from what is acceptable behaviour” (Collins 2006, 215). Both crime and deviance are violations of social norms (scn.org).
They are failure to achieve positively valued goals, removal of positively valued stimuli, and confrontation with negative stimuli (Agnew, 1992). The major assumptions of General Strain Theory place emphasis on these types of strains and stressors and how they cause deviant behavior. The connection between the strains and deviant behavior are the negative emotions that are produced by the strains such as anger and anxiety. The causes of deviant behavior can be linked to those emotions and the personal resources available to handle the emotions. This helps to define why some individuals with similar strains commit crimes and why others chose legal manners in which they deal with their strains and emotions.
These concerns directly impact human rights, the law and everyday life for those affected particularly the young and ethnic minority groups since these are the groups disproportionately represented moreover allegations still exist that despite the Steven Lawrence case of 1993, institutional racism still exists. With stop and search the police deliberately force allegations upon and use the law indiscriminately where certain suspects are accused and the criticisms constantly and inherently labelled at the police are fully justified. What’s more the subsequent police conduct once searched is believed to be unpleasant and discriminatory; additionally the manner of searches can be humiliating and embarrassing for those involved. Overall stop and search is an ineffective method of investigating and disrupting crime for numerous and long standing reasons. One, is that the rate of arrests is extremely poor in co-ordination to the ratio of stops; the stop/search to arrest rate declined from 17per cent in 1986 to just 10 per cent between 1996 to 98, (McConville & Wilson, 2002, pg559).
Final Writing Assignment The relationship between Social Bond Theory, General Strain Theory, and Criminal Behavior By: Criminology M, W, F 1:00pm Abstract Criminal behavior has been talked about in many different ways, and there are many different theories on why it caused. I am going to talk about the social bond theory and the general strain theory. These two theories really focus on environment and surroundings of the individual. I will look at research articles for each of the theories and also talk about a person who engaged in criminal behavior and what I think caused their criminal behavior based on general strain theory and social bond theory. General Strain Theory “Strain theories state that certain strains or stressors increase the likelihood of crime.
Primary deviants don't tend to see themselves as deviant. However, some deviance is labelled. Secondary deviance is the result of societal reaction. Being caught and publicly labelled as a criminal can involve being stigmatised, shamed, humiliated, shunned or excluded from normal society. This can provoke a crisis for the individual's self concept.
People who feel alienated from mainstream society struggle to keep their individual identity. Chunks of Human beings individual identity are often neglected due to the mainstream society. In spite of how others observe us, our character is how we see ourselves. Knowing we do not fit into the ‘norm’ society, we therefore sustain continuous changes. People who are different from the majority are usually alienated.
Social problems and issues can lead to crime. Crime according to Meriam Webster is an act or the commission of an act that is forbidden or the omission of a duty that is commanded by a public law and that makes the offender liable to punishment by that law; especially: a gross violation of law (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crime). Some reasons for committing crimes are: people are raised around others that commit crimes, the gap large between poverty and wealth, and corruption with society. Crime can ultimately be defined as a breach of contract, the contract represents the law and the breach is when the law has been broken. The consequences for breaking the contract of law can result in minor to severe punishments.
The legal view of criminal behaviour refers to an act that breaks the laws of the land and which is punishable under the current legislation and laws. Moral, meaning a behaviour which goes against the norms and values of society, and which deviate from the norms of religion too. This however is seen to be punishable by God. The social side sees the deviant behaviour as violating the values, beliefs and norms of the community. The psychological perspective sees criminal behaviour as a deviant action which causes hurt or discomfort to other people, whilst in exchange gaining a reward for themselves.
Police brutality is the intentional use of excessive force, usually physical, but potentially also in the form of verbal attacks and psychological intimidation, by a police officer. It is in some instances triggered by "contempt of cop" which is perceived disrespect towards police officers. The force a police officer should use is only a minimum amount, needed to achieve a legitimate purpose. Police brutality is a direct violation of the laws within the police force. Police brutality Is also a direct violation on the 5th and 14th constitution amendments.
On the other hand, it is dysfunctional to the society as it erodes moral values and breaks connecting social norms. It destroys and destabilizes the society as it creates conflicts that may extend to both communities of the assailant and defendant. Assault impacts negatively on social cohesion and interpersonal relationships (Nisbet, 1974). In conclusion, assault is a dreadful social deviance whose dysfunctional features of society far outweigh the functional. Therefore, in order to create a stable and cohesive society, the deviance needs to be controlled or eliminated by postulating and devising tough consequences for