A Sociological Theory of Criminal Behavior - Essay Example

 However, proponents of non-intervention are of the assumption that recommendations from interventions do not have appropriate mechanisms for behavioral change. For instance, rehabilitation is perceived as a seasonal hindrance to negative behavior. Proponents of nonintervention models assert that rehabilitations only provide temporary solutions to problems since when influenced by intervention, a person feels an obligation to take part in the process they are not willing to (Scarpitti, Nielsen & Miller, 2009). Advocates of non-intervention models opt to use more personal approaches such as seeking medical help without being excluded from society. This enables a person to experience change while being exposed to the problems they are required to shun (Scarpitti, Nielsen & Miller, 2009).

Explain the differences in prison life as experienced by male and female inmates.

            In an argument by Scarpitti, Nielsen & Miller (2009) male inmates are exposed to many difficulties as compared to their male counterparts. The authors attribute this trend to the physical nature of men (Scarpitti, Nielsen & Miller, 2009). This natural difference influences their perception of prison police. Prisons holding women are provided with resources that are absent in male prisons. In addition, women are subjected to simpler tasks. In men, prison life hardens their personality as well as character. This is different from women who experience behavior change. Scarpitti, Nielsen & Miller (2009) assert that men develop an opposition character after their life in prison.

How does violence in the media contribute to aggression in society?

            Mediated violence is a significant behavior influencer. It is proven that exposure to extremely graphic content creates an aggressive character in people. The effects are more significant in children whose continued exposure to mediated violence has negatively affected their social behavior. In an argument by Scarpitti, Nielsen & Miller (2009) this can be evidenced by considering the deteriorated behavior and violent behavior in teenagers. The media glorifies violence to the extent that a society develops a positive perception of violence. The situation is made worse considering that mediated violence exists also in programs that are intended for children. Children are exposed to violence as a tender which makes it easy to develop aggression.

Family relationships are a major determinant of behavior. Identify and discuss the various elements of family relations and how these elements influence criminality.

            Scarpitti, Nielsen & Miller (2009) assert that most criminals have a victory over poor family governance. The author highlights a case where a person was convicted of defiling a minor. The suspect attributed their love for minors to their lack of a mother figure when growing up. From this argument, one may point out that time spent in families comprises is important as it shapes one′s behavior. One′s experience in the family setting dictates the nature of behavior one tends to embrace. In addition, violent family relations create a violent character in persons that promote the growth of criminality.

Sutherland’s differential association theory

The principle is based on nine principles (Scarpitti, Nielsen & Miller, 2009);

• Criminal behavior does not occur naturally but is learned.
• Learning is influenced by communication during interaction with others.
• Learning is best influenced during interaction within intimate personal groups.
• In the learning system, a person acquired skills to commit a crime that may be complicated as well as acquire motive and rationalization.
• Motive is created to oppose legal codes of conduct.
• One repeatedly acts towards crime based on their interpretation of favorable and unfavorable legal codes. 
• One’s association with a crime may differ in duration, frequency, intensity, and priority. A person indulges in crime they are experienced in as well have an adequate motive.
• Understanding and learning criminality by association involves incorporating strategies used in any other form of learning.
• Crime is an expression of value and general needs. However, these factors do not determine the means by which crime can be explained.

            This principle may analyze a situation whereby a person takes part in a robbery with violence. Before the crime, one must learn the required take to take part in the crime. This is enabled through the interaction by a person with similar intent. The motive and reason behind this action are based on the financial needs of a person. In addition, motive by being driven by pressure from like-minded persons. In addition, rebellion against the state and legal codes may drive a person’s motive. If a person has repeatedly taken part in this nature of a crime, they are likely to find ease and comfort in creating a motive to commit the crime. If a person generates a quest to understand this crime, they may require learning and analyzing the crime not from its criminal nature but from an association point of view that may include understanding the motive (Scarpitti, Nielsen & Miller, 2009).