Qualities of a good theory - Essay Example

Qualities of a Good Theory Roll No: Qualities of a Good Theory A good theory has many qualities that makea theory persuasive and make the readers to understand and evaluate certain situations based on this theory. A good theory is one, which is thought provoking and effective in solving and comprehending various problems that we face in our lives. In short, it can be said that a good theory can be applied on our lives. There are many theories that are persuasive and are quite applicable on various situations in our life; however, they are not able to solve all the issues as they see life and its problems with specific point of views.

A good theory is mostly valid in different situations and is persuasive and helps people to sort out issues by consulting the theory. There are many popular theories that are used to understand and evaluate various problems and conflicts in life. However, these theories are not always valid. A theory is valid in a specific situation. According to Prit (2008), Crime is a very complex social issue and so are its theories. Conflict criminology is of much more importance and can be used as example of such a theory that is popular but not always valid.

Conflict criminology as described by Bernard in “Vold’s Theoretical Criminology” (2009) is a theory in which, it is explained that conflicts exist between groups on the basis of interests and criminological acts by criminals are a result of conflicts existing between subordinate groups and dominant groups. The subordinate groups act against the dominant groups due to which, crime is created (Bernard, et al, 2009). The theory of conflict criminology discusses the issue of conflict behind any criminal act and forms an opinion that crimes are a result of conflict arising between groups on issues that are conflicting (Hagan. 2010). However, the theory neglects the crimes that are based on personal behaviors, are quite irrational, are violent in nature and have no reason behind them.

Sometimes, the crime is not based on any cause (Prit, 2008). Therefore, this theory is always not valid in every situation although it is quite popular. References Bernard, Thomas J., Snipes, Jeffrey B. and Gerould, Alexander L. (2009). Vold’s Theoretical Criminology. 6th Ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Hagan, Frank E. (2010). Introduction to Criminology: Theories, Methods and Criminological Behavior. New York: Sage Publications. Prit. (2008). Theories of Crime. Accessed on 15th January 2010 from http://socyberty.

com/sociology/theories-of-crime/