Journal Name:
- Review Of Research
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Abstract (Original Language):
Social structure theories assert that the disadvantaged economic class position
is a primary cause of crime. The theories state that neighborhoods which are “lower
class” create forces of strain, frustration and disorganization that create crime.
When you look at the theory, the strains might not necessarily come from
people's frustrations with acquiring The American Dream, but rather a mixture in
strains such as homelessness, abuse and neglect, subcultures, deviant values and
frustrations about poverty. Meaning, there might be more than one factor in play when a
person is “influenced” to commit a crime by interacting within an imposed economic
class. A person might encounter one of these factors by themselves and not decide to
succumb to peer pressure or let his/her abuse trauma lead them to a life of crime. A
person might face poverty but have enough resilience through family values to make a
choice of lawful actions.
Some aspects of these theories seem a bit outdated because there have been
many community initiatives that promote culture pride and community involvement in
the “disadvantage” neighborhoods which are not being accounted for in the theories.
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