Sociological Theories of Criminal Behavior Assignment 2022

1Criminology
Running head: CRIMINOLOGY
Criminology
Author’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

2Criminology
Criminology
Assignment 2: Sociological Theories of Criminal Behavior
Part A
Interpretation of Merton’s Statement. The statement was made by taking into
consideration the notion of “literal demoralization”, which signifies “de-institutionalization”. It
can be observed in several groups, wherein the various elements of social structure are not highly
corporate. In this context, Merton’s statement can be interpreted by arguing the normal nature of
‘deviant behavior’. It is apparent that there exist two specific models of cultural objectives as
well as institutional norms, which are analytically separable in nature. These models encompass
culturally described targets as well as interests and regulatory norms to reach these targets within
a definite period of time. As argued by Merton, ‘deviant behavior’ is normal because it tends to
comply with the identified models of cultural objectives along with norms that help in
developing individual adaptation and conformity towards dealing with any societal issue
successfully. In addition, the normal nature of ‘deviant behavior’ can also be determined from its
extreme focus on exaggerated pecuniary (Merton, 1968).
Deviance and Labeling. According to Becker, deviance is argued to be more about the
labeling procedure, or the reaction of others, instead of the personality or the life situation of the
deviant. This is mainly because ‘deviant behavior’ will stay on the primary intensity, if their does
not exist any sort of labeling. It is believed that labeling raises the probability of sustained
‘deviant behavior’ by making symbolic portrayals of values regarding insurgence, disagreement
and even emancipation. Since ‘deviant behavior’ is mainly caused by the reaction of its
underlying environment, it can be related to the labeling procedure (Knutsson, 1978).

3Criminology
The distinctiveness of an individual changes and eventually becomes ‘deviant’ in nature
because he/she is treated in a way, as he/she holds certain features that are attached to the stigma
being placed on him/her. This transformed distinctiveness is then recognized to be attested by
deviant identity (Knutsson, 1978). Thus, labeling is viewed to be a “self-fulfilling prophecy”.
Part B: Short Essay
Crime, Deviance and Three Theoretical Approaches. Based on theoretical or conceptual
standpoints, crime and deviance are really “caused” because ‘deviance’ signifies the
infringement of community norms, which often makes the people to get involved in criminal or
‘deviant’ behaviors. It is apparent that there are many ‘deviance’ forms that eventually signify
criminal actions perform by the people under any specific circumstance. Some of these forms are
identified as “premeditated murder, armed robbery, causing death by dangerous driving,
domestic violence, making a fraudulent home or car insurance claim, anti-social behavior,
pilfering from a local shop, and just being rude and obnoxious” (Browne, 2011; p. 273). It can be
critically commented that crime and deviance are really “caused”, as these prevent the people
from getting matched with lawful as well as conventional norms. As per some sociologists, it
may not be true that people simply choose to engage in unlawful or deviant deeds. This is
because “crime and deviance involve legal and social rules, and what counts as deviant or
criminal will depend on how society defines these rules, and these change between societies and
over time, and there is no act that in itself is ever always regarded as criminal or deviant”
(Browne, 2011; pp. 273-274).
It is suggested that the individuals residing in distinct communities are involved in
performing criminal activities or ‘deviant’ acts due to various critical reasons. A few of these
reasons include poor socialization and deficiency in control by the family members over those