Microsociological Theories

Words: 379
Pages: 2
Open Document
Microsociological crime theories examine how various social institutions and processes can encourage or inhibit criminal behavior (Bohm & Vogel, 2011, p. 95). Gabriel Tarde was a pioneer believing that crime was something learned by normal people as they adapted to other people and the conditions of their environment (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). Furthermore, Tarde disregarded the concepts that criminals were either physically or psychological unique; therefore, he rejected Lombroso’s conception of the born criminal (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). Now that we possess a general understanding of Tarde’s concepts, let us examine how those concepts explain criminal behavior in relation to microsociological theory. Since Tarde viewed criminality as a learning process, he believed criminal knowledge was attained through imitation (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). Furthermore, through …show more content…
Louis, Missouri revealed delinquent behavior was associated with arrests of one or both of the parents in their adult years associated with juvenile delinquency on behalf of their parents (Marripedia, n.d.). Subsequently, children with two parents who possess criminal histories are at an extremely high risk for delinquency, and delinquency is a precursor to antisocial behavior (Marripedia, n.d.). Furthermore, additional research substantiates youths who are exposed to parental violence are prone to future violent behavior (Marripedia, n.d.). Consequently, exposure to family violence leads to the creation of violent and versatile criminals, and in socially disorganized neighborhoods internal family violence is a major contributor to adolescent violence (Marripedia, n.d.). Therefore, this research illustrates a direct correlation between parental imitation and the learning process of criminal behavior. The research reflects how the social institution of family perpetuates the criminal behavior, especially in high-crime areas, which reinforces Tarde’s
Show More

Related Documents: Microsociological Theories

Comparing Macrosociological And Sociological Theories

Macrosociological and Microsociological theories both examine how human behavior affects society and its influence on crime. When discussing both of these theories, it is important to examine both the differences and similarities between them to achieve a full understanding. Macrosociological theory analyzes how population and social structure create an environment that is conducive to crime (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). This theory is focused on the social system as a whole and often is focused on…

Words 571 - Pages 3

Theory: Sociology and Rational Choice Theory Essay

Social Theory Feb. 28, 2013 Notes James S. Coleman * Born in Indiana, 1926-1995 * Ph. D from Columbia * Studied with Merton * Taught at University * Dissertation on Industrial Sociology * Next examined education and race * Responsible for proposing school busting policy * Then looked at mathematical sociology * Finally in 1989 developed Rational Choice Theory * Foundations of social theory * Wrote 28 books, 301 articles, and founded a journal…

Words 463 - Pages 2