Social Forces, Gangs and Crime - Part 2

 In your previous assignments, you explored social structure and social learning theories in understanding crime and deviance. Subculture theories focus on gang delinquency and delinquent subcultures. Building upon the Unit 5 assignment, expand on the causes of crime and delinquency for your selected group or gang. Review Walter B. Miller's lower-class focal concerns relative to criminal behavior. Focal concerns are specific values, such as toughness or street smartness, that evolve to fit conditions in lower-class environments. According to this theory, such focal concerns can promote illegal or violent behavior. Some theorists refer to this focal concerns as the code of the streets. These unique conduct norms assist us in understanding lower-class culture and environments.

Does a distinct lower-class culture exist in the urban area (gang or group) you selected? Why or why not? After reviewing the focal concerns Miller talks about, does your gang or group fit into this criminological model, and which major points of the theory apply? Explain.

Review the Social Forces, Gangs, and Crime – Part 2 Scoring Guide to understand the grading criteria for this assignment.

Submit your paper as an attachment to the assignment area.

Other Requirements

Your paper should meet the following requirements:

• Written communication: Written communication should be clear, organized, and free of errors; it should also follow professional standards.
• APA format: Resources and citations must be formatted according to current APA style and formatting guidelines.
• Number of references: At least five academic sources, of which at least two should not be course materials.
• Length of paper: 4–6 double-spaced pages, including the cover page and reference page.
• Font and font size: Times or Times New Roman, 12 point.

Resources

• Social Forces, Gangs and Crime - Part 2 Scoring Guide.
• APA Style and Format.