CRM 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Critical Criminology, Lawbreakers, Edwin Sutherland

• School: Ryerson University
• Department: Criminology
• Course: CRM 101
• Professor: Daniel Alati

Document Summary

Social structure theory focuses on the effects of class stratification in society. Social structure theorists don"t believe that crime is cause by psychological imbalance, biological traits, insensitivity to social controls, personal choice, or any other individual-level factor. Links crime to neighborhoods ecological characteristics, marked by culture conflict, lack of cohesiveness, transiency, and anomie. Mixed-use neighborhood (residential and commercial properties exist side-by-side) Lack of essential services, such as education, healthcare and proper housing. High unemployment, single-parent families, dependence on social assistance, substandard housing. Social institution has broken down and there"s a lack of authority to control behaviour. There"s a little sense of community, it lacks communication, & people can"t pursue goals. Concentric zone theory (shaw and mckay, chicago 1920s) There was a response to rapid immigration and urban deterioration. They said chicago had developed into distinct natural areas , some wealthy and others wrecked by extreme poverty.