Socialization and criminal behavior
By devilsangel
@devilsangel (1817)
United States
October 1, 2007 1:23am CST
Ok so I just finished an assignment on the relationship between socialization and criminal behavior. Bascially analizing the relationship between different social issues and a persons likelihood to commit a crime. Such as a persons socialeconomic standings, their race, gender, or cultural background. In theory all these things can play a key factor in their criminal behavior. There is also the rational choice theory which states that it doesn't matter a persons social or economical status that every criminal makes a concious decision to commit a crime. I for one agree with that theory. I agree that there are people who are pre-disposed to criminal behavoir or tendencies however, I think that ever person has the ability to say yes or no to such behaviors. I don't think that being poor or being abused or being male or female or whatever should have any bearing in a persons acts. I think that if a person commits a crime that they be held accountable for their behavior despite whatever excuse they try to give for said behavior. So what are your thoughts on this?
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2 responses
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
1 Oct 07
As we are accountable for our action and have free choice as to what these actions are I think if you choose to do the crime then you do the time. No excuses.
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@HighReed1 (1126)
• United States
27 Oct 07
I think I agree with the rational choice theory as well.
I've known people that didn't need to steal or burglarize do it, because they didn't care or just wanted to. Some got slapped down once and straightened up. Others had to get a severe beating down (not literally) to get it together.
I believe everyone who commits a crime should be held accountable. If they are kids or mentally challenged, the punishment should entail some kind of therapy, but still have a punishment factor in there. Kids know they are doing something naughty and will be put in the corner or whatever. They can still understand that unpleasant consequences go with bad actions.
Being abused might cause the brain to short-circuit to an extent. Like molestors that were abused that way as kids. THOSE should have punishment and HEAVY therapy, but I don't think they should probably EVER be released on society again IMO.
The laws are just so convoluted anymore, logical punishments are few and far between. Like that guy that got 30 years for stealing a donut(real event) and the guy that kidnaps a kid, molests him for years until the kid escapes and only gets 7 years (real event, just in the distant past). Stealing food gets severe and kidnapping and ruining a kid for life gets barely anything.
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