Week 2: Overview
Social Disorganization Theory, Differential Association Theory
This week we turn away from the prevailing biological theories that dominated the field through the early 1900s and shift our attention to theories that came from theorists/researchers at the University of Chicago in the 1940s. These criminologists shifted the focus from biology to examining why some communities have high crime rates and why individuals commit crime.
Specifically, we will be examining Differential Association Theory and Social Learning Theory.
This Weeks Tasks
Be sure to complete in order!
- Read:
- Akers et al.: Chapter 8, Chapter 5
- Cullen et al.: Chapters 3, 7, 9, & 10
- Read: All Week 2 Articles
- Social Disorganization
- Watch: Lecture - Social Disorganization Theory
- Initial posting to Applying Social Disorganization discussion
- Differential Association & Social Learning
- Watch: Lecture - Differential Association & Social Learning
- Initial posting to Thoughts on a Social Learning principle discussion
- Discussion: Communities and Social Learning
- Watch: LaLee’s Kin: The Legacy of Cotton
Summary of what to submit
All are due Sunday at 11:59pm
- Reflective Discussions (remember to return and post replies to each)
- Weekly Discussion: Communities and Social Learning
- Optional
- You may choose to respond to the optional Empirical Articles discussion.
- If you choose to do the Essay Assignment for this week, it is due by Sunday (11:59pm)
Learning Objectives
- To understand the role of the environment and social institutions and their relationship to crime rates.
- To explore theorists' views on how one's associations can propel individuals to engage in crime.
- To gain an understanding of the Chicago School of Crime and how theories develop and change over time as well as research on these theories.
- To formulate policy implications to ameliorate crime and help marginalized communities.