The shared relationship between sociology and criminology shapes the understanding and handling of criminal activity. An online Bachelor of Science in Applied Science (BSAS) in Criminal Justice program from Youngstown State University provides a solid foundation for those looking to contribute to the field of criminology. By studying sociological theories, graduates gain the ability to affect communities and institutions in meaningful ways, particularly when addressing crime and its related issues. Courses such as Criminal Victimization, Drugs and Crime, and Crime and Delinquency play a central role in preparing graduates for positions within the justice system and related social service sectors.
The study of social structures plays an important role in understanding criminal behavior. Social structures refer to the established patterns of social behavior and social relationships that organize society. These structures, including economic inequalities, educational disparities and systemic discrimination, create environments conducive to certain types of criminal activity. For instance, communities with limited economic opportunities may experience higher rates of property crimes. The study of social structures allows criminologists to move beyond individual explanations of crime and explore the broader societal forces that contribute to it. Understanding these structures is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Coleman’s Boat and Criminology
Coleman’s Boat, a model used to explain the relationship between macro-level social conditions and micro-level individual actions, provides a useful way to view criminological phenomena. The model suggests that macro-level social conditions influence individual attitudes and behaviors, which in turn lead to macro-level outcomes.
In criminology, this model can be applied to understand how factors such as poverty or community disorganization (macro-level) influence individual decisions to engage in criminal activity (micro-level), which ultimately affects crime rates (macro-level). The journal Crime & Delinquency employs this model to analyze complex social issues related to crime. It clarifies how societal patterns translate into individual actions and resulting collective outcomes.
Core Social Concepts in Criminology
Criminology analyzes crime and deviance through several core concepts. These include the differentiation of crime (legally prohibited acts) from deviance (socially nonconforming behaviors), the study of social control mechanisms (both formal and informal) to enforce societal norms and the examination of criminalization as a process reflecting social and political power and victimology, which focuses on the experiences and societal treatment of crime victims.
These concepts allow for an overall understanding of crime’s causes, societal responses and the impact on individuals and communities. Students in sociology and criminology programs learn to show how social norms, legal systems and power structures come together to shape criminal behavior and its consequences.
Structural vs. Process Approaches
Criminological theories can be broadly categorized into structural and process approaches. Structural theories look into how societal structures, such as inequality and poverty, contribute to crime. These theories focus on the macro-level factors that create environments conducive to criminal behavior.
Process theories, on the other hand, focus on the micro-level interactions and experiences that shape individual behavior. They study how individuals learn criminal behavior through interactions with others, how they are labeled as criminals and how they develop self-concepts that influence their behavior. Examples of structural perspectives include strain theory and conflict theory, while social-process theories include differential association theory and labeling theory. Understanding the difference between these two perspectives is important for a complete understanding of crime causation.
The integration of theory into criminological studies allows for a more nuanced understanding of crime and its causes. Graduates of a BSAS in Criminal Justice program are well prepared to contribute to the development of effective crime prevention and intervention programs. Their training allows them to analyze problems, develop solutions and collaborate with communities to create positive changes.
Learn more about the online Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program from Youngstown State University.
