CJ 340_Module 6 Assignment_Nakia Porter
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Module 6 Assignment Nakia Porter
Southern New Hampshire University
CJ 340 Criminology Dr. R. Dawalt
February 11, 2022
Our culture defines the way we look at ourselves and the world around us. It dictates how
we conduct ourselves, how and where we work, and how and where we spend our free time. Our culture determines our values and what we understand as right and wrong. The society we live in
affects us and influences our decision making. It goes hand in hand with our culture. Our decisions and choices can influence those around us and shape our society. As people, we tend to place labels on others according to our own culture, values, and beliefs. These “labels,” also known as stereotypes, can be based on race, religion, economic status, gender, etc. “Sometimes our beliefs about these categories are so strong that they prevent us from seeing the unique identities of others. Sometimes these beliefs also make us feel suspicion, fear, or hatred toward some members of our society. Other times, especially when we are able to get to know a person, we are able to see past labels and, perhaps, find common ground.” (Individual & Society - Facing History and Ourselves, 2022, 1) The cultural deviance theory suggests that individuals turn to crime because they are influenced by the place they live, the people that they are surrounded by, and their socioeconomic status. Those who live in lower-class neighborhoods hold certain cultural values that play a role in deviant and criminal behavior. “The cultural deviance theory is often viewed as a part of a larger theory called the social disorganization theory. Social disorganization theory links crime and delinquency to cultural norms of particular locations or residential areas such as those of low-income groups or those with a heavy concentration of poor immigrants.” (Staff Writer, 2021)
Applying theories helps to provide a foundation for understanding behaviors, thoughts, and actions.
“Each theory provides a context for understanding a certain aspect of human behavior.” (Cherry, K., 2020) Theories are ever-changing and evolving to encompass new discoveries and the latest information as it becomes available. It is important to apply theories versus making broad generalizations to explain behaviors because when we make broad generalizations it is the same as stereotyping. We are putting the behaviors in a category and not looking into the individual behavior itself. Not every individual or every behavior is going to fit into a category or a particular theory, however, theories “provide a context for understanding a certain aspect of human behavior,” whereas broad generalizations do not. (Cherry, K., 2020) References
Facing History and Ourselves. (2022). I
ndividual and Society
. Holocaust and Human Behavior. Chapter 1. https://www.facinghistory.org
Staff Writer (2021, October 15). Cultural Deviance Theory – Definition, Examples, Pros & Cons. Helpful Professor.com https://helpfulprofessor.com/cultural-deviance-theory
Cherry, K. (202, May 8).
The Purpose of Psychology Theories.
VeryWellMind.com https://www.verywellmind.com/the-purpose-of-psychology-theories-2795084
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