UMass Boston

Classic & Contemporary Views of the Nature of Crime

Course #: SOCIOL 690, Class #: 12876, Section #: 01

Description

This course examines the social nature of crime. It explores a variety of theoretical perspectives, including anomie/strain theory, social disorganization theory, social control theory, social learning theories, opportunity theory, deterrence theory, and conflict theory. The various theories are examined through an extensive review of recent empirical studies. Special attention is given to methodological problems in specifying theories for empirical study. Discussion topics also include the adaptability of these theories to social policy and their varying political and social acceptability during particular historical periods.