The Problem of Poverty Essay – Comparing Differential Association and General Strain Theories

The problem of poverty.

Why is poverty related to crime?

What different perspectives aid in explaining offender behaviour in certain socioeconomic areas?.

Which theory (perspective) provides a better explanation for offender behaviour?

The perspectives you are going to look at are – Differential Association Theory (Psychology) and General Strain Theory (Sociology).

You will compare and contrast these two theories and their explanations of offending behaviours and poverty to answer the essay question.

Your essay must rely on a minimum of fifteen (15) peer reviewed journal articles.

To do this, you will:

• Examine the relationship between poverty and crime;
• Introduce/define key terms: Differential Association, General Strain, Poverty, and Relative Disadvantage;
• Introduce the disciplinary perspectives (psychology and sociology) and their theories (Differential Association and General Strain Theory) then apply them to the essay question;
• Actively compare and contrast the two theories and their explanations/arguments as to why poverty is related to crime. You should do this by examining both the absolute and relative poverty (influences/ factors that might increase someone’s risk of offending) and the effectiveness of social welfare efforts on reducing offending; and
• Lastly, you are to provide an argument as to which theory provides a better understanding of this essay question and why (you may also argue in favour of both theories, but you MUST provide an argument as to WHY).

ALL arguments must be supported by the literature/research (not your own opinion).

To successfully answer this question, you are required to use critical analysis (do not just provide a summary of what the literature says). You must provide an argumentative essay, supporting your argument with a synthesis of credible and relevant literature.

Referencing:

Your essay must rely on a minimum of fifteen (15) peer reviewed journal articles (see the next page)

Roughly HALF of your references should be from one perspective (e.g. labelling theory), with the other HALF being from another perspective (e.g. general strain theory); though you can present sources which critique, compare and contrast these theories as well.

Please use APA 7th Edition OR AGLC 4.

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