The purpose of this case study is to provide more in-depth insight into the contributions of criminological theories and their role in providing explanations of crime and criminal behavior within our society. It also highlights how criminological theories influence public policy within the criminal justice system.
Read the two scenarios provided below. Select one to serve as the focus of your study. Once you have selected your case study scenario, select any theoretical paradigm or specific criminological theory discussed in this unit and apply it to your case study. Though you are not limited to discussing the following topics, you must include the information below.
Describe a general overview of the theory itself, including its name, information about the contributing criminologist(s), philosophical assumptions, and public policies aligned with the theory.
Discuss how the theory explains the criminal event or criminal behaviors.
What are the limitations (disadvantages) of the theory in explaining the case?
What public policies may the criminal justice system implement as a result of this theory’s perspective to the case?
Scenario I
There were not many princess fairy tales in Shawn McClain’s daydreams. Throughout her life, she was told how stupid and ugly she was and what a bad person she was. Early in life, she thought “little slut” was her name. Shawn was constantly reminded that she would never amount to anything. This opposition came from her mother, brother, aunts, uncles, and even a few of her teachers. At age 16, Shawn had enough. She dropped out of school and ran away from home. She began to sell herself and commit small misdemeanors to gain what she viewed as necessities. After a while, she even began to cause physical harm to her “Johns” (sex customers) for no apparent reason, except self-gratification. Shawn’s life remained this way until her incarceration for murder at age 25.
Scenario II
After residing in the ghetto for several generations, the Martin family was finally moving on up. They had moved up so far that they purchased a large, five-bedroom, single-family home in one of the most prestigious communities that Del Monta, Oklahoma, had to offer. Both parents landed great jobs, but each required many long-hour days. Slowly, the mother began to notice little, odd, and unacceptable acts from two of her oldest children, ages 12 and 14. This included slamming doors, screaming “I hate you” after being disciplined, refusing to eat prepared meals, and breaking curfews. These behaviors were never shown before moving into the new neighborhood. The mother suspected the 14-year-old was under the influence of something on a few occasions. It all became really obvious every time the children would return from hanging out at the neighbor’s house. After attending the Homeowners Association Family Fun Day and witnessing the parenting skills of the neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Martin figured out the problems causing her children’s sporadic behavior.
