Choose three of the following five essay questions to answer. For each question, you must provide a response that is at least 1.5 pages, double spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font with normal margins. If you are referencing class notes, no citations are needed. If you are referencing a specific portion of the book, provide the page number(s) in parentheses at the end of the reference. If you are using external sources, follow normal APA guidelines for in-text citations and then include a full citation at the end of the document. Responses are to be submitted to Canvas by 12:15pm on Thursday, March 24th. Late submissions will not be accepted.
What is Hirschi’s social control theory? What is Hirschi and Gottfredson’s self-control theory? How are the theories different from each other? Which theory do you think better explains crime?
Explain the key concepts of Sutherland’s differential association theory and Aker’s social learning theory. How did Aker’s theory elaborate on concepts from Sutherland’s theory?
What are primary and secondary deviance? How does this deviance contribute to the labeling process? What are the consequences of labeling? Using your knowledge of labeling theory, argue how a specific criminal justice procedure may negatively label an individual and cause future offending.
Self-control theory states that an individual’s level of self-control is set by age 11 and is unchanging throughout the life course. What would life course criminologists say about this view (would they agree or disagree and why)? Pick a specific theory from life course criminology and explain what the theory would say about crime over the life course.
Pick one of the theories discussed in choice and opportunity theories (deterrence, rational choice theory, or routine activities theory). Describe the key components of the chosen theory. Using your theory, what kinds of strategies or polices would you suggest to reduce or prevent crime?
