Unit 3_ Short Essay Questions (3)

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Apr 3, 2024

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Unit 3: Short Essay Questions Question #1 Response The Rational Choice Theory examines how people weigh the costs and benefits of their actions. The theory accounts for why individuals make certain choices, and when examining criminal activity, the Rational Choice Theory “explains crime based on one kind of simple assumption - that criminals are rational” (Wright, 2023). The Rational Choice Theory can be applied in some situations to the many young Black and Latino teens in the book Punished by Victor Rios. Many of these marginalized teens may apply the Rational Choice Theory when calculating an economic or social behavior. This behavior is often the result of harassment from social institutions or local gang members, and is commonly done in retaliation or with the intent to garner dignity or respect. Tyrell, for example, used the Rational Labeling Theory to address the constant harassment and excessive surveillance from local police. Tyrell was seen as a threat by these authoritative figures due to his skin color and height, and in order to find control in his life, Tyrell internalized the labels placed on him by others, and decided to sell marijuana to support himself financially. Tyrell used the Rational Labeling Theory to determine the costs and benefits of his criminal action, and he deemed it beneficial to sell illegal substances as a way to have control over his life and support his father and himself financially, as his father often struggled to find a solid job in their community.

Question #2 Response In 1992, William Sewell Jr. took to the American Journal of Sociology to determine the relationship between social structure and agency, and the capacity for agency within certain cultures, depending on the resources available to said culture. During a lecture, Dr. Lisa-Marie Wright cited this article in her definition of agency, which she defined as “The capacity for desiring, forming intentions, and acting creatively.” (Wright, 2023). Dr. Wright continued to use William Sewell Jr.’s article to define the sociological nuances surrounding agency, such as the fact that everyone has the ability to have agency, but it can vary in form, and is culturally and historically determined. This means that our sociological aspects such as our capital, cultural practices, family background, etc., will shape our agency. In the book Punished , by Victor Rios, the young Black and Latino boys summarized in the book exercise their agency by internalizing the labels given to them by their parents, local police, and other authoritative figures in their lives. Since many of these young boys are criminalized at a young age, they may decide to take it upon themselves to have some control or respect in their life. This desire for control will come in creative ways. Jose, for example, had grown up in a neighborhood run by East Side gangsters, and often experienced some problems with them that were seldom addressed by local police. Jose exercised his agency through his desire for control, intent to gain respect, and unfortunately because of the options within his culture, his only viable option was to become a criminal himself. In terms of broader structural processes, agency is constructed during crucial periods of our life, such as deciding upon a favorable career, or deciding upon a spousal partner. An average person will exercise their agency by applying their desire for a good career path, applying their intention to follow this career path in school, and creatively deciding upon a job using their local resources, which can range depending on the local culture.

Bibliography/Reference Page Wright, Lisa-Marie. April 10, 2023. “Rational Choice Theory and Differential Association, Theories of Crime & Deviance.” Lecture. Wright, Lisa-Marie. April 24, 2023. “Agency” Lecture.

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