Application of Criminological Theory Essay

This paper pull up stakes focus on the application of criminological opening in the following scenario As the vice principal in find fault of discipline at a prestigious nurture day, I claim to realise what actions to take in dealing with a pervert eighth mark male student. This student comes from a disadvantaged socioeconomic background and has promptly been caught in a physical altercation with a nonher student. My direct supervisor, the principal, believes it is in the students best interest to remain at our school.As I am in charge of discipline, I go outing mention several manageable courses of action, incorporating criminological theories, to be used either by the piece or in tandem. The first course of action would be to tattle to both of the students involved in the altercation and in turn, their p arents. Although it is not an excuse, it is possible that at that place was round(a) instigation preceding the altercation. Speaking with both students may paint a picture as to the nature of what transpired and how it could have been avoided. In both case, both students give be reprimanded as we have a zero tolerance policy for much(prenominal)(prenominal) acts here at the school.To by remediates understand the deviant student, lets call him David, it pass on be necessary to find erupt to a greater extent about his background, amicable and family ties, succormate influences, general demeanor, and any goals or hopes he has. I bathnot simply elucidate David as a new-fangled delinquent or a futurity criminal. To brand him may do more harm than good. Labeling Theory The labeling guess asserts that once an psyche has deviated from the hearty norms of society, they are labeled as a delinquent or a criminal, and begin to behave as such (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011).In opposite words, if David is continuously labeled by the school, his associates, and society in general as a juvenile delinquent then he will begin to believe i t himself. His self-esteem and self-worth will go dash off and he will begin viewing himself as a juvenile delinquent. Once David has genuine his label, he will begin to engage in more and more deviant acts. So it is important here that I am sensitive to his situation and avoid putting a label on him for genius discretionary act. Social Disorganization Theory We whap that David comes from a disadvantaged socioeconomic background.It is in all kindredlihood that he lives in an surround where social ties are pitiful and delinquent peer groups are abundant. such communities have a higher(prenominal) discourtesy rate and a higher rate of delinquency, as explained by their weak social bonds. Socially nonionic and tight-knit communities are more presumable to supervise and control teen peer groups where socially disorganized communities are not (McCord, 1992). External factors such as lack of supervision and a weak social bond may be contributing to Davids delinquency. Unfort unately, the school shtup do little in the way of inspection and repairing him and his family out of their community.However, creating a social bond of sorts here at the school may help David incite from a perhaps delinquent peer group to cardinal more conscientious of social norms and societal laws. I would suggest trying to arrest David involved in a sport or an different social club at the school. Again, finding out what he is interested in is an important part of helping him. We want David to feel socially recognized and increase his self-esteem. Learning Theories Learning theories suggest that antisocial, deviant, and criminal behaviour is not instilled in an soulfulness, but acquire through interactions with their environment and peers. Because of their individual circumstances, some people learn and practice behaviors that the larger society condemns. non surprisingly, children growth up in neighborhoods rife with crime often end up committing crime themselves (B arkan, 2009). It is essential that David associate with peers that follow and respect societies rules. The scheme of derivative association attributes an individuals attitudes and views of crime and aberrancy to that of their straightaway social groups.In other words, if Davids peer group is deviant, he will be deviant as well. Another explanation for that follows the theory of differential coefficient identification David may feel the need to fit in and be accepted as a member of a group. By performing like the group he has chosen to fit in to get dressed like they do, verbalise the way they speak, and engaging in the very(prenominal) deviant activities they engage in, he gains their approval and is accepted as part of the group. In the same manner, David is learning deviant behavior because he is exposed to it on a regular basis.He may see violence and deviance as a social norm (and therefore acceptable) because in his immediate environment it is a normal occurrence. Final ly, through differential reinforcement, this learned behavior is reinforced through reward or praise from his peer group. peradventure he sees frequent violence in which the soulfulness committing the violence is never reprimanded. If David believes he trick commit these acts with little solicitude of reprimand or with the encouragement of his peer group, he is more likely to do so and not blush feel like he has done anything wrong.School is a place with many rules and many types of interactions with different people. Clearly what is acceptable in Davids home environment and peer group is not acceptable here. It is important that he understand what is right and wrong in this setting and furthermore, in society. I will likely suggest that David speak with the schools psychologist to determine how much learned deviant behavior he has experienced. This will also give him an chance to bond with someone who respects social norms and laws. Control TheoriesUnlike other criminological theories, control theories set out to learn not why individuals commit crime, but why they do not commit crime (Akers & Sellers, 2004). Davids meeting with the school psychologist will also shed some light on where he measures using some of the control theories. The containment theory stages the possibility that there are internal and external influences that guide an individual away from committing crime. Internally, that individuals absolute self-image and tolerance for frustration help sway them from becoming deviant.On the other side, external influences like confirmative role models and a close family bond will do the same (Barkan, 2009). Travis Hirshis social bonding theory had several explanations for the behavior of juveniles. These explanations entangle fended research that found that youths who were strongly given up to their parents were little likely to commit criminal acts and youths who maintained weak and far relationships with people tended toward delinquenc y (Evans, n. d. ) One final addition to control theories, although there are several more, is the coercive control and social support theory.This theory, in short, states that an individual is coerced into crime either through fear or through other means, such as poverty. Whether that individual has strong social support from family, their community, and social institutions such as school, has a large impact on the likelihood that the individual with commit crime. While each of these control theories introduce several ideas about why individuals may or may not commit crime, one similarity is present throughout. The mien of a strong social bond with friends, family, and community encourages a crime free existence.To encourage David to head down the right path, so to speak, we need to fortify his social bonds. Life-Course Theories Life-course theories focus on what factors occur during different stages of ones life that may promote delinquency or crime. These factors include socioeco nomic status, poor and inconsistent parenting, weak social bonds, poor school performance, and delinquent peers. (Barkan, 2009). The recurring theme across the life-course theories is that it is weak social bonds, poor parenting, and the influence of delinquent peers that determine an individuals susceptibility to deviant behavior.Strain, or stress, result from an individuals perceived inadequacies making them even more susceptible. Such strain can be caused by any number of the causal factors of delinquency listed above. A young and impressionable individual such as David may experience strain because of his socioeconomic status, his encumbrance at the school, or many other reasons. The more strain one experiences, the more likely they are to display deviant behavior. Conclusion I fully support the principals decision to keep David at the school as it truly is in his best interest.My final disciplinal decision regarding the physical altercation between David and the other student will include several days of in-school suspension where both boys will be able to serve out their punishment while still complete school assignments, separated from the rest of the students of course. I am compelled to reach out to David and give him every opportunity to reform. I will be speaking with the teacher who make the initial complaint regarding David to explain to them that he is in need of a positive role model and positive reinforcement.A visit with the schools psychologist will also be made. Not only will this give David an outlet to perhaps discuss his problems, it will also expose him to another positive influence and someone who can help him cope with any anger issues he may have. Introducing David to positive and close social bonds is already decreasing the chance that he will engage in more deviant behavior. Suggestions will be made that he engage in a sport or other social clubs at the school. This will encourage David to interact with a less deviant peer group. There will also be a meeting between David and myself. I will explain to David that his current behaviors are unacceptable here at school and any further infractions will be dealt with swift and more severe punishments. Once that has been discussed, I would like to find out more about what goals David has. In doing so, I can help motivate him to obtain these goals. My intention is to make it clear to him that I am there to help with any issues he has and that he can feel comfortable coming to me, or any other school staff, if he needs to.In closing, the main goal here is to help David by introducing positive role models, making him feel socially accepted to increase his self-esteem, strengthen his social bonds, and encourage him to interact with people in a more positive way. If nowhere else, a school should value these values to reduce a childs likelihood of delinquency. ? References Akers, R. , & Sellers, C. (2004). assimilator Study Guide for Criminological Theories Introductio n, Evaluation, and Application (4th ed. ). Los Angeles, CA Roxbury Publishing Company.