Your act of deviance/crime is that you kidnapped the President’s daughter. You will explain your deviant act with which theories best fit the behavior.
Using at least three theories, explain why “you” have engaged in deviant/criminal behavior. You are required to briefly explain each theory. Indicate which
theory, in your experience, is the most valid and why (i.e. Why did you choose this theory over some of the other theories?).
Once you have laid out the details of theory, explain why you have engaged in deviant/criminal behavior. What factors led you to deviance/crime? Why did you
cease your activity or why have you continued?
Do this in a formal paper (5 pages, with at least 3 references/citations one for each theory). Include both in-text citations and a reference page.
• Quick ASA info:
o For journal articles: Author. Year. “Title.” Journal Name Vol(Issue): Pages.
o For books: Author. Year. Title. Place: Publisher.
o For more info and how to cite other works, consult an ASA Guide:
https://www.asanet.org/sites/default/files/savvy/documents/teaching/pdfs/Quick_Tips_for_ASA_Style.pdf or
https://sociology.fas.harvard.edu/files/sociology/files/asastyleguide.pdf.
Major Theories to Choose from
Strain Theory
Anomie- conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, rebellion
Social Disorganization
Place matters. Low socioeconomic status, residential instability, and ethnic heterogeneity
Differential Association Theory and/or Learning:
States that individuals have a greater tendency to deviate from societal norms when they frequently associate with persons who are more favorable toward
deviance than conformity. Reinforcement matters.
Social Control and Social Bond Theory
All people have the same capacity for crime. Ties or bonds to society.
Labeling Theory
Deviants are those people who have been successfully labeled as such by others.
Conflict Theory
Crime as a political concept designed to protect the power and position of the upper classes at the expense of the poor.