Choose ONE of the following questions:
- In what ways are the positivistic theories of deviance, crime, and delinquency inadequate or incomplete, according to the constructionist approaches? By contrast, in what ways are the positivist approaches stronger than the constructionist approaches? Which theory do you agree with more and why?
or
- Merton developed a typology to help explain how deviance can be affected by anomie and goal-attainment. List and describe each of these five parts. Use examples to explain how four of the five can help to explain deviance in relation to anomie and attainment of normative goals. (Hint: each of these types considers both the ways/means of reaching the goal and the goal itself.) Consider offering a personal example for at least one of these types (assuming your deviance is suitable for class discussion).
or
- In many ways, the “self-control” theory of Michael Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi (“a general theory of crime”) contradicts the social control theory advocated by the selfsame Travis Hirschi two decades earlier. In what ways are the two theories contradictory? In what ways are they similar or based on the same principles?
Sample Solution
