Self-Control Theory free essay sample

Self-control Theory of Crime Evaluation Self-control Theory of Crime Evaluation Marilyn A. Vazquez CJA/540 Criminological Theories University of Phoenix Angela Williams October 24, 2011 Abstract Crime consists of behavior patterns, the environment, and the economy of the world. Researchers tend to use theories to answers questions concerning these behaviors. For example such questions involve why people commit crimes, what type of people commit crimes, and a host of other questions. The topic of this paper consists of two types of theories. The topics discussed and compared involve the conflict theory and the social control theory. In addition, the comparison will display the theory that does a better job of addressing the occurrence of crime in contemporary American society. Included is an evaluation of the effects of positive and negative reinforcement on crime in both theoretical frames and information to support the research. Self-control Theory The conflict theory Two or more persons who disagree relate to conflict. For example, one individual of a team wish to lead the team because of prior leadership. The other candidate also wishes to lead the team because of favoritism. This is one prime example of conflict. Another involvement of conflict consists of a clash between an individual work schedule and the hours the employer expects from the employee. Last, conflict deals with struggle. For example, two criminals committing a crime one is more violent than the other. Both have strong intentions to commit the crime, however, only one want to commit murder. The other criminal struggles to proceed as scheduled because murdering goes against the plan. Conflict is a word that causes most people a degree of discomfort, anger, frustration, sadness, and pain (Team Building Inc, 2010). Karl Marx conflict theory involves struggle as well. The struggle consists of two major groups. These groups involve the higher level of persons such as the rich or elite or people who own businesses. In contrast the other group involves the lower class people such as the less fortunate or mediocre who are the workers. Apparently the two groups constantly inhabit the conflict theory. Out of the two groups one possess more power and wealth than the other. The upper class has access to certain items whereas the lower class does not. The working class individuals who have no power sell his or her hard work to the upper class to produce products. The powerful have an advantage to keep the working class enslaved. The lower have to rely on the upper for income (Factoidz, 2011). The criminal justice system and criminal law are thought to be operating on behalf of rich and powerful with resulting policies aimed at controlling the poor. Focus is on separating the powerful from the less powerful. In the process the legal rights of poor folks who may be ignored (Greek, 2005). For example the less powerful receive severe punishment for a small crime whereas the powerful receive leniency for high white collar crime. The social control theory Social control entails rules of behavior that must be followed by the members of a society. Some of the rules of conduct fall into the realm of good manners as the culture defines them (O’Neil, 2006). People make up a society and expect its members to maintain conformity to remain controlled. Enforcing control involves laws, police, force, or pressure by the members. The people expect to stay in peace and harmony together. Implemented rules placed within the group for members to obey. Social control directs the entire group in a structured manner. In addition, social control operates for the entire group. Implementing control involves negative or positive reinforcement. Social control means, control of individual behavior by society, and that control of social institutions should be in the interest and welfare of the whole society. Some warnings and directions of prohibited activities are an example of social control (Answers Com, 2011). Comparing both theories Conflict theory entails groups or individuals who have differences. Every society contains various classes such as ethnic, gender, and a host of other differences. These types of classes led to conflict because the difference in race, beliefs, and more. Some type of control method must be put into place if any society wishes to survive conflict. Both conflict and control integrate with each other. Social control theory entails methods to remove differences. Social control uses negatives and positives of punishment and reinforcement to enforce rules. Both social conflict and social control use means such as law enforcement. Conflict resolution involves a range of essential skills and techniques, which are of value in organizing and building social movements and parties. Social control resolution means regulation of the application of a particular set of laws or rules (Encyclopedia of Marxism, 2008). Positive and negative effects in conflict theory According to the examples and experiences of others the word conflict deems negativity. However, conflict also entails both negative and positive outcomes as well. On the negative side conflict can be disruptive, however, on the positive side it can also serve as a source of creativity and a constructive action (McGrath, 2009). [Today conflict theorists find social conflict between any groups in which the potential for inequality exists: racial, gender, religious, political, economic, and so on. Conflict theorists note that unequal groups usually have conflicting values and agendas, causing them to compete against one another. This constant competition between groups forms the basis for the ever-changing nature of society. Critics of the conflict perspective point to its overly negative view of society. The theory ultimately attributes humanitarian efforts, altruism, democracy, civil rights, and other positive aspects of society to capitalistic designs to control the masses, not to inherent interests in preserving society and social order. While these latter perspectives focus on the positive aspects of society that contribute to its stability, the conflict perspective focuses on the negative, conflicted, and ever-changing nature of society (Cliffs Notes, 2011). ] Positive and negative effects in social control theory