Required Readings
Lee, C., & Schulenberg, J. L. (2010). The impact of race and youth cohort size: An analysis of juvenile drug possession arrest rates. Journal of Drug Issues, 40(3), 653“679.
Rhineberger-Dunn, G., & Carlson, S. M. (2011). An analysis of the mediating effects of social relations and controls on neighborhood crime victimization. Western Criminology Review, 12(1), 15“34.
Roh, S., & Choo, T. M. (2008). Looking inside zone V: Testing social disorganization theory in suburban areas. Western Criminology Review, 9(1), 1“16.
Simons, R. L., Simons, L. G., Burt, C. H., Brody, G. H., & Cutrona, C. (2005). Collective efficacy, authoritative parenting, and delinquency: A longitudinal test of a model integrating and family level processes. Criminology, 43(4), 989“1029.
Warner, B. (2003). The role of attenuated culture in social disorganization theory. Criminology, 41(1), 73“98.
Required Media
Laureate Education (Producer). (2014e). Sociological theories of criminal behavior II [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Dr. Charis Kubrin further discusses sociological theories of crime. Consider how these theories account for the causes of crime.

Note:  The approximate length of this media piece is 11 minutes.

Accessible player –Downloads–Download Video w/CCDownload AudioDownload Transcript
 
 
Assignment: Comparing Sociological Theories
As a helping professional, understanding social disorganization theory, social conflict theory, and rational choice theory as three contemporary perspectives on the causes of criminal behavior are essential. Social disorganization theory”such as purported by the Chicago School, which you read about in Week 2”views crime as being a product of neighborhoods and communities that have broken down and are characterized by weak cultural and structural norms, absence of law and order, and high levels of poverty. Social conflict theory assigns the cause of crime to conflict between competing social groups, such as the affluent and the working poor. Rational choice theory emphasizes the decision-making process of criminals and aims to prevent crime by making criminal behavior less attractive and valuable.
Each sociological theory outlined here has strengths and limitations. Applying these theories is likely to yield diverse explanations for the causes of criminal behavior.
For this Assignment, review the article, The Role of Attenuated Culture in Social Disorganization Theory and consider the principles of disorganization theory, paying particular attention to various aspects of the theory as explanations for criminal behavior. Then, search the Internet and select peer-reviewed articles that address social conflict theory, social disorganization theory, and rational choice theory.
Assignment (2“3 pages):

Briefly describe social conflict theory, social disorganization theory, and rational choice theory.
Compare (similarities and differences) social conflict theory, social disorganization theory, and rational choice theory, using specific examples in your comparison.
Based on your comparison, describe at least one insight or conclusion you might draw.
Use the resources from your research to support your findings.

Support your Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the resources for this course.
By Day 7