Sociological theories of crime or deviance are basically restatements of the obvious fact that the preponderance of criminal activity is associated with the culture of poverty in lower class, inner-city, mostly minority neighborhoods. These theories, however, often ignore the fact that the upper socio-economic strata of society are just as prone to crime. White-collar and business crime tends to be economic, non-violent, and less vigilantly prosecuted, and its defendants less likely to be convicted because they can afford to be more effectively defended.
The anomie theory of deviance is based on the pioneering sociological writings of Emile Durkheim, who coined the term to refer to individuals, groups, or whole societies in which social norms of behavior are erratic or confused. This can occur due to personal trauma, social change, or anything that weakens group cohesion. Robert K. Merton is the main proponent of this theory. He sees anomie arising naturally from the kind of blocked opportunity typical of urban ghettoes.
The cultural transmission theory of deviance was the dominant criminological theory for much of the 20th century. Developed by Shaw and McKay, the theory states that traditions of delinquency are passed on through successive generations in the same neighborhood just as language, roles, and attitudes are learned. It can be paraphrased by saying that crime is caused by social factors. An implication of the theory is that subcultures û such as gangs û have values that directly contradict those on which the laws are based, because legitimate avenues of personal socio-economic advancement are blocked by poverty, racism, ignorance, and unemployment.
The article I have chosen that deals with deviance is an item on page A18 of the December 12, 2005 Los Angeles Times about the impending execution of Stanley Tookie Williams entitled Justices Reject Williams' Appeal. The article describes how the California Su...