Social Construction Of Crime Essay

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Have you ever stopped to think for one second why crime could be considered a social construction? Or maybe you’re even wondering what crime really is? Crime is a term that refers to many types of misconduct forbidden by law. I, myself, have always wondered how crime is determined and what causes people to commit crimes. Well, let me tell you, we as a society decide what crime is. As for why people commit these crimes, there are many different reasons based on theories.
According to sociological theories of criminology, society creates conditions under which a person creates a crime. “There are three major sociological theories of crime and delinquency: strain, social learning, and control theories. All of the theories that are described explain crime in terms of the social environment, including the family, school, peer group, workplace, community, and society” (Agnew). That being said, there are studies that show there are high crimes rates among the poor. Some people may look at that as people whom live in poverty want and need things but they can’t afford it, so they have to take it. It could also be perceived as trying to raise your children to become …show more content…
Crime in America may not be a crime elsewhere. For example, in almost all of the United States the drinking age is twenty-one and underage drinking is not tolerated, but in France and many other countries the drinking age is sixteen and underage drinking is tolerated, especially if they’re with their parents. If a parent were to supply alcohol to their children in America, that would be considered a crime and charges would be filed. Another example of crimes varying around the world would be the use of heroin. In Canada doctors can legally prescribe heroin to addicts, but here in America heroin is considered illegal in every aspect of the law. As different societies emerge, they encounter

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