Social Structure Theories Focus On The Economic And Social...

Social structure theories focus on the economic and social conditions in which lower-class youth live. The relationship between socioeconomic structure and crime is a relationship that scholars concluded that effected urban areas in which it promoted criminal behavior. While studies have shown a direct link between lower-class citizens and crime it is mistake to predispose all of them to a life of crime. Social structure theories examine why lower-class youth are more likely to commit crime than middle and upper-class youth. Social structure theories focus on two major factors that influence delinquency: socioeconomic conditions and cultural values. These conditions and values, in turn, are based on social and economic inequality in the†¦show more content†¦Those who don’t have equal opportunity are considered â€Å"strains† thus more likely to be a delinquent. People have differential means available for achieving these culturally supported goals. Some have blocked opportunities, maybe because of class location or socioeconomic status, but also because of race, ethnicity, or gender discrimination. As a consequence these individuals are unable to achieve their goals through legitimate means. Society offers members of different social group’s very different institutional means of achieving its goals such as opportunities for education regardless of ability, fulfilling work, and financial aid. A gap between effort and reward makes it impossible for some people to set realistic, achievable goals or to plan legitimate ways of achieving their goals. People can break out of this system but it is not easy. For example, imagine a fisherman casting his net over the side of the boat, while the net is designed to catch certain fish it cannot catch all of them no matter what some of the fishes will escape or avoid the net. This analogy represents the social theory structure where some people can break through poverty while the odds for othe r are too great to overcome. Subculture plays a big part in increasing or decreasing the chances of an individual to break out of poverty. Subculture is a set of values, norms and beliefs that differs from those within the dominant culture. If a personShow MoreRelatedMarx, Max Weber And Emile Durkheim948 Words   |  4 PagesIn assessment of sociological theory it is imperative to our understanding of social theory that we analyze the ideologies of some prominent theorists such as Karl Marx, Max Weber and Émile Durkheim. Karl Marx’s philosophical ideals on society and class division are impactful in shaping our understanding of society. Inequality and social division is at the heart of Marx’s theory of society. Marx’s theorized that society is the history of class struggles. 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