What do structural and subcultural explanations emphasize?

What do structural and subcultural explanations emphasize?

• A. Internal personality traits as the sole cause of crime.
• B. Genetic predispositions to crime.
• C. Dysfunctional social arrangements (inadequate schooling, economic adversity, or community disorganization) thwart people's efforts toward legitimate attainments and result in their breaking the law.
• D. Economic policies alone determine criminal behavior.

Answer: (C)

Structural and subcultural explanations focus on how the surrounding social environment and cultural norms shape crime. They argue that when people face blocked opportunities and a disorganized or disadvantaged community, their pursuit of legitimate avenues for success is hindered, leading some to turn to illegal means. This view incorporates the idea that strain from economic adversity or inadequate schooling pushes individuals toward crime, and that subcultures within certain communities may cultivate norms that condone or encourage unlawful behavior as a way to achieve status or connection. In short, crime is seen as a response to social structure and cultural adaptation, not simply a matter of internal personality traits, genetics, or policy design alone.

Structural and subcultural explanations focus on how the surrounding social environment and cultural norms shape crime. They argue that when people face blocked opportunities and a disorganized or disadvantaged community, their pursuit of legitimate avenues for success is hindered, leading some to turn to illegal means. This view incorporates the idea that strain from economic adversity or inadequate schooling pushes individuals toward crime, and that subcultures within certain communities may cultivate norms that condone or encourage unlawful behavior as a way to achieve status or connection. In short, crime is seen as a response to social structure and cultural adaptation, not simply a matter of internal personality traits, genetics, or policy design alone.