Course Code: CRI 170

Course Title: Theories of Crime Causation

Student’s Activity Sheet: Module #20

Name:________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

Lesson Title: Sociological Theories Materials: Ballpen, Paper, Pencil & SAS

Lesson Objectives: References:

Burke, R.H. (2009). An Introduction to
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
Criminological Theory, 3rd edition. William
1. rephrase the concept of sociological theories; and
Publishing Miller, M (2009). 21st Criminology, A
2. identify what theory is shown in the cited scenario. reference handbook. SAGE Publications,
Thousand Oaks, California

Textbook:
Panugaling, G.C. and Caño, G. J. (2019).
Theories of Crime Causation. Rex Book Store
Inc.

Productivity Tip: Score: /70

Refuel your body with the proper nutrients it needs to function. Pay attention to
foods that drain your brain and eat more of the foods that power your brain.

A. LESSON PREVIEW/REVIEW

Introduction (2 mins)
How’s your day! I hope you're having a wonderful day. Today our topic is quite inspiring since
we will be talking about “Sociological Theories.” By the way, you may ask yourself if you have any
idea about our topic this day. Great!
This module will discuss Sociological Theories, as such why should you be learning this? You
need to learn this for you to know what are the ways and means for a criminal behavior to be acquired.
The learning objectives are that you must have to: a) rephrase the concept of sociological theories; and
b) identify what theory is shown in the cited scenario. Are you ready? Alright, let’s begin with this first
activity!

B. MAIN LESSON
Activity 1: Content Notes (20 mins)
Instructions: Read and understand the concepts below and after that you
have to answer the questions that follow. Write it on the space provided.

SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES

It explains how a certain individual acquires criminal or undesirable behavior; it describes how
the agents of socialization such as family, environment, schools, mass media and peer groups
contribute or affect the behavior of a specific individual; and it would also somehow manifest as to how
a person responded or reacted with regards to the conduct displayed by other persons whom he or she
is socializing with. The subfields of sociological theories are: 1) SOCIAL STRUCTURE THEORIES –
suggest that social and economic forces operating in deteriorated lower-class areas push many of their
residents into criminal behavior patterns. Social structure theory has three (3) major branches, such as:
social disorganization theory, strain theory, and cultural deviance theory. Another subfield of
sociological theory is 2) SOCIAL PROCESS THEORIES – which hold that criminality, is a function of

1
 Course Code: CRI 170
Course Title: Theories of Crime Causation
Student’s Activity Sheet: Module #20

Name:________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

individual socialization. Social process theories also have three (3) major branches, such as: social
learning theory, social control theory, and social reaction theory.

SOCIAL STRUCTURE THEORIES

1. Social disorganization theory was created by Chicago-based sociologists Clifford R. Shaw and
Henry D. Mckay who link crime rates to neighbourhood ecological characteristics. Crime rates are
elevated in highly transient, “mixed use” (where residential and commercial property exist side by side)
and/or “changing neighbourhoods” in which the fabric of social life has become fayed. These localities
are unable to provide essential services such as education, health care, and proper housing and, as a
result, experience significant levels of unemployment, single parent families, and families on welfare
and Aid to Dependent Children (ADC). Shaw and McKay’s main contention is that the primary causes
of criminal behavior were neighborhood disintegration and slum conditions to place what they called
transitional neighborhoods which refer to the place in Chicago where ridden by poverty and which
suffers high rates of population turnover and were incapable of inducing residents to remain and failed
to defend the neighborhoods against criminal groups (Siegel, 2004).

2. Concentric zone theory was pioneered by Chicago School sociologists Ernest W. Burgess and
Robert E. Park; however, it was Clifford R. Shaw and Henry D. McKay noted that distinct ecological
area had developed in the city of Chicago, comprising a series of 5 concentric circles, or zones, and
that there were stable and significant differences in interzone crime rates. The areas of heaviest
concentration of crime appeared to be the transitional inner-city zones, where large numbers of foreign-
born citizens had settled. The zones farthest from the city’s center had lower crime rates. Shaw and
McKay’s main assumption is that, even though crime rates changed, they found that the highest rates
were always in central city and transitional areas.

3. Anomie Theory - David Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist introduced the term “anomie”, which
derived from the Greek a nomos which means without norms. According to Durkheim, an anomic
society is one in which rules of behavior (norms) have broken down or become inoperative during
periods of rapid social change or social crisis such as war or famine. Anomie most likely occurs in
societies that are moving forward mechanically to organic solidarity.
Mechanical solidarity is defined as a characteristic of pre-industrial society, which is held
together by traditions, shared values, and unquestioned beliefs. Organic solidarity refers to the post-
industrial system, in which the place is highly developed and dependent upon the division of labor and
people are connected by their interdependent needs for each other’s services and production.

4. Strain Theory
American sociologist Robert K. Merton applied Durkheim’s ideas of anomie to criminology. He
holds that crime is a function of the conflict between the goals people have and the means they can use
to legally obtain those goals. Consequently, those who failed to attain their goals because of
inadequate means would feel anger, frustration and resentment, which are referred to as strain and that
those people who are in strain or pressure may develop criminal or delinquent solutions to the problem
of attaining goals (Siegel et al, 2007). Merton developed what he called social adaptation to explain that
although some people have inadequate means of attaining success; other people who have the means
reject societal goals as being unsuited to them. Below are Merton’s five (5) modes of adaptation. The
plus (+) sign means acceptance, negative (-) sign means rejection and + means substituting alternative
goals (Siegel, 2004).

2
 Course Code: CRI 170
Course Title: Theories of Crime Causation
Student’s Activity Sheet: Module #20

Name:________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

Modes of Adaptation Cultural Goals Institutionalized Means

1. Conformity + (Acceptance) + (Acceptance)
2. Innovation + (Acceptance) - (Rejection)
3. Ritualism - (Rejection) + (Acceptance)
4. Retreatism - (Rejection) - (Rejection)
5. Rebellion + (Substitution of Alternative + (Substitution of Alternative
Goal and Means) Goal and Means)
5. Relative Deprivation Theory
This theory clearly emphasizes that a sharp division between the rich and the poor creates an
atmosphere of envy and mistrust. Criminal motivation is fueled both by perceived humiliation and the
perceived right to humiliate a victim in return. Accordingly, lower-class people might feel both deprived
and embittered when they compare their life circumstances to those of the more affluent. The constant
frustration suffered by the deprived individuals because of their economic status may lead to
aggression and hostility and may result to violence and crime (Siegel, 2004).

6. General Strain Theory

Sociologist Robert Agnew reformulated the strain theory of Robert Merton and suggests that
criminality is the direct result of negative affective states – the anger, frustration, depression,
disappointment and other adverse emotions that derive from strain. Agnew tries to explain why
individuals who feel stress and strain are more likely to commit crimes and offers more explanation of
criminal activity among all elements of society rather than restricting his views to lower-class crime
(Siegel, 2004).

7. Cultural Deviance Theory

This theory combines the effects of social disorganization and strain to explain how people living
in in deteriorated neighborhoods react to social isolation and economic deprivation. Because of the
draining, frustrating and dispiriting experiences, members of the lower class create an independent
subculture with its own set of rules and values. This lower-class subculture stresses excitement,
toughness, risk-taking, fearlessness and immediate gratification.

8. Delinquent Subculture Theory

Albert K. Cohen first articulated the theory in his classic book, “Delinquent Boys.” Cohen’s
position was that delinquent behavior of lower-class youth is actually a protest against the norms and
values middle-class U.S. culture. Because the social conditions make them incapable of achieving
success legitimately, lower-class youths experience a form of culture conflict that Cohen labels status
frustration. Status frustration refers to the state where youths are incapable of achieving their legitimate
goals in life because of the social conditions that they are into such as having poor parents and living in
slum areas.

9. Differential Opportunity Theory is the output of the classic work of Richard A. Cloward and Lloyd
E. Ohlin’s “Delinquency and Opportunity.” This theory is a combination of strain and disorganization
principles into a portrayal of a gang-sustaining criminal subculture. The main concept of this theory
states that people in all strata of society share the same success goals but that those in the lower-class
have limited means of achieving them. People who perceive themselves as failures within conventional
3
 Course Code: CRI 170
Course Title: Theories of Crime Causation
Student’s Activity Sheet: Module #20

Name:________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

society will seek alternative or innovative ways to gain success, such as joining drug syndicates and
any other forms of illegal activities.

SOCIAL PROCESS THEORIES

1. Drift Theory
Neutralization Theory (1957) is identified with the writings of David Matza and his associate
Gresham M. Sykes. They viewed the process of becoming a criminal as a learning experience in which
potential delinquents and criminals master techniques that enable them to counterbalance or neutralize
conventional values and drift back and forth between illegitimate and conventional behavior. One
reason it becomes possible, it’s because of the subterranean value structure of American Society.
Subterranean values are morally tinged influences that have become entrenched in the culture but are
publicly condemned. These are values that are condemned in public but may be practiced privately.
Example: viewing pornographic films, drinking alcohol to excess, and gambling on sporting events.

2. Differential Association Theory

“Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are,” a Mexican proverb that would best
describe the theory of differential association.
Differential association theory was created by American criminologist Edwin H. Sutherland (1939) in his
text, Principles of Criminology. He suggests that people commit crime by learning in a social context
through their interactions with others and communication with them. He believed criminal behavior is
learned by interaction with others, and this includes learning the techniques of committing the crime,
and the motives, drives, rationalizations, and attitudes for committing it.

3. Containment theory
Containment theory was presented by Walter C. Reckless and assumes that for every
individual, there exists a containing external structure and a protective internal structure, both of which
provide defense, protection, or insulation against delinquency (Siegel, 2007).
According to Reckless “outer containment” or the structural buffer that holds the person in
bounds.

4. Social bond theory also called (social control theory), articulated by Travis W. Hirschi in his 1969
book, Causes of Delinquency, now the dominant version of control theory. Hirschi links the onset of
criminality to the weakening of the ties that bind people to society. He assumes that all individuals are
potential law violators, but they are kept under control because they fear that illegal behavior will
damage their relationships with friends, parents, neighbors, teachers and employers.

5. Social Reaction (Labeling Theory)

Labeling theory was created by Howard S. Becker who explains that society creates deviance
through a system of social control agencies that designate (label) certain individuals as delinquent,
thereby stigmatizing a person and encouraging them to accept this negative personal identity. For
example: people labeled “insane” are also assumed to be dangerous, dishonest, unstable, violent,
strange, and otherwise unsound. In contrast, negative labels, including “troublemaker,” “mentally-ill,”
and “stupid,” help stigmatize the recipients of these labels and reduce their self-image (Siegel, 2004).

4
 Course Code: CRI 170
Course Title: Theories of Crime Causation
Student’s Activity Sheet: Module #20

Name:________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

Let us answer the questions below based on your readings. Write it on the space provided:

1. What are the subfields of sociological theories?

Social complexity Social construct Social environment Social equality Social equity Social power Social
Answer: _________________________________________________________
stratification Social structure
2. What are the three major branches of social structure theory?
Social Disorganization, Strain, and Culture Conflict
Answer: _________________________________________________________
3. What are the three major branches of social process theory?
Social learning theory, Social control theory, Labeling theory
Answer: _________________________________________________________

Activity 2: Skill-building Activities (30 mins + 2 mins checking)

This is a self-assessment; you have to answer the question honestly. After
that check your answers against the Key to Corrections found at the end of
this SAS. Write your score on the space provided.

2.1 Let us test your skill, using your own words rephrase the concept of sociological theory. Limit your
answer to ten (10) sentences only. Write it on the space provided. (10 points)
Sociological theory is a systematic framework for understanding society and Score: over 10
human behavior, offering perspectives on social structures, interactions, and
the impact of cultural, economic, and political factors. It helps researchers
formulate hypotheses, conduct studies, and offer explanations for social issues,
contributing to a broader understanding of the social world and addressing
societal challenges.

2.2 After reading the content notes, what can you say about the findings of the researchers linking
criminality to agents of socialization like family, peer groups, environment, church, etc? Support your
answer. Limit your answer to ten (10) sentences only. Write it on the space provided. (10 points)
Score:
Researchers found that social factors like family, peer groups, environment, and church over influence
significantly 10 an
individual's propensity towards criminal behavior. Family dynamics, parenting styles, and exposure to criminal role
models can influence early development and criminal tendencies. Peer pressure, broader social environment, and
religious institutions can also affect criminal involvement. Understanding and addressing these factors is crucial for
preventing and intervening in criminal behavior.
2.3 Explain this passage below, “Birds of the same feathers flock together”. And after that identify
what theory under social process it belongs to. Support your answer. Limit your answer to ten (10)
sentences only. Write it on the space provided. (10 points)
Score: over 10
The Homophily Theory suggests that individuals with similar characteristics,
interests, or backgrounds associate and group together, leading to the formation
of social circles or communities. This principle, which explains the patterns of
social relationships and networks, suggests that similarity breeds connection,
creating a sense of familiarity, comfort, and understanding between individuals.

5
 Course Code: CRI 170
Course Title: Theories of Crime Causation
Student’s Activity Sheet: Module #20

Name:________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

Activity 3: Check for Understanding (15 mins)

This is a self-assessment; you have to answer these questions honestly. After
that check your answers against the Key to Corrections found at the end of
this SAS. Write your score on your paper.

3.1 Analysis: Read and analyze the following scenarios below and identify what theory under
sociology it belongs to. Support your answer. Limit it to ten (10) sentences only. Write it on the space
provided. (10 points each)
Score: over 30
Scene 1: Den and Jean are living in proximate distance. Den is wealthy while Jean is poor. Every
morning Jea smells that Den’s food menu varies everyday while in their home, almost every day she
finds it difficult to prepare even if dried fish only. In the long run, poor Jean feels envious and bitter
towards the wealthy position of her neighbor. Time comes because of the extreme frustration
experienced by Jean; she robs the house of Dea.
Scene 1 follows Relative Deprivation theory, which suggests that individuals' perceptions of their well-being and
happiness are influenced by their wealth and social environment. Jean, living in poverty, perceives herself as
deprived and disadvantaged when comparing her situation to Den's luxurious lifestyle. This leads to envy, bitterness,
and frustration, leading Jean to resort to criminal behavior, robbing Den's house, to gain resources she perceives as
unjustly denied.
Scene 2: San is a graduate of criminology who took and topped the board examination but because of
height requirement she may wait for the approval of her height waiver but San knew that her classmate
who took the board exam thrice already and had a high ranking father was successful in the recruitment
using other eligibility. When San knew the news she felt stressed and frustrated.
Scene 2 relates to the theory of Relative Deprivation, where San, a successful criminology graduate, struggles with a
height requirement obstacle and feels stress and frustration. Her classmate, who passed the exam multiple times and
had a high-ranking father, is recruited using an alternative eligibility route, causing her emotional distress. This
perceived unfairness and disparity in opportunities contributes to her emotional distress.
Scene 3: Ms. B’s friends invite her for a drinking spree but because B does not drink alcoholic
beverages plus her parents are strict when it comes to curfew hours, then B hasn’t engaged in such
deviancy.
Ms. B's decision to avoid a drinking spree is influenced by her lack of interest in alcohol and her strict upbringing.
Social control theory suggests that strong bonds and adherence to societal norms prevent individuals from engaging in
.
deviant behavior. Her parents' clear boundaries and curfew hours serve as deterrents, while her personal values and
choices also contribute to her decision to avoid deviant activities.
C. LESSON WRAP-UP

Q1. What is the first agent of socialization?

Answer: Family. It is considered to be the seedbed and training ground of values.
Q2. What is the core concept of sociological theory?
Answer: It explains how a certain individual acquires criminal or undesirable behavior; it describes how
the agents of socialization such as family, environment, schools, mass media and peer groups
contribute or affect the behavior of a specific individual; and it would also manifest as to how a person
responded or reacted with regards to the conduct displayed by other persons whom he or she is
socializing with.
Q3. Who is the founder of sociology?
6
 Course Code: CRI 170
Course Title: Theories of Crime Causation
Student’s Activity Sheet: Module #20

Name:________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

Answer: Auguste Comte, in full Isidore-Auguste-Marie-François-Xavier Comte, (born January 19,

1798, Montpellier, France—died September 5, 1857, Paris), French philosopher known as the founder
of sociology and of positivism.

Activity 4: Thinking About Learning (5 mins)

A. Work Tracker
You are done with this session! Let’s track your progress. Shade the session
number you just completed. You mark the place in the work tracker which is
simply a visual to help you to track how much work you have accomplished and
how much work there is left to do.

B. Think About Your Learning

B.1 Instruction: There are two (2) parts of this activity; first “You write 3 things you remember from the
lesson; give 2 examples of what you learned and write 1 question you have or something you are
confused about”. Write it on the space provided. And then on the second part would be your self-
evaluation on achieving the learning targets.

B.2 This is a self-evaluation on achieving the learning targets: Just place a check (/) mark on the
space provided.
1. I CAN rephrase the concept of sociological theories. _______
2. I CAN identify what theory is shown in the cited scenario. _______

KEY TO CORRECTIONS:
Rubrics on Activity 2.1; 2.2; 3.3 and 3.1 Rate
Organization of thoughts=4 points
Grammar = 3 points
Readability = 2 point
Neatness = 1 point
TOTAL= 10 points
Rationale on Activity 2.3
7
 Course Code: CRI 170
Course Title: Theories of Crime Causation
Student’s Activity Sheet: Module #20

Name:________________________________________________________ Class number: _______

Section: ____________ Schedule: ____________ Date:_______________

A proverb is an old saying that's considered to be wise or good advice. “Birds of a feather flock
together" has been around in the English language since the mid-1500s. When applied to people, this
phrase means that people who are similar to each other or share similar interests tend to spend time
with each other. This can be associated with the Differential Association Theory.

Rationale on Activity 3.1 (10 points each)

Scene 1. Answer: Relative deprivation theory because this theory clearly explains that when there is
a sharp division between the rich and the poor it creates an atmosphere of envy and mistrust.

Scene 2. Answer: General Strain Theory under strain caused by disjunction of expectations and
achievements.

Scene 3. Answer: Containment theory because this theory assumes that for every individual, there
exists a containing external structure (B’s parents are strict) and a protective internal structure (B’s
conscience not to drink), both of which provide defense, protection, or insulation against delinquency.

TEACHER-LED ACTIVITIES:

At-home learning session for the students:

1. Check and grade collected SAS and other input from students.
2. Schedule phone calls/virtual calls/virtual chats to individual students or small groups of students to
monitor work, provide guidance, answer questions, and check understanding.

SUPPLEMENTARY ACTIVITY: Find time to research, read and study the following; you may write this
in your notebook. These will be included in your P3 exams.
1. List the 9 principles of Differential Association theory;
2. Enumerate and cite examples of the techniques of neutralization according to drift theory;
3. Enumerate the three types of gangs according to differential opportunity;
4. Enumerate and discuss the 3 deviant subcultures according to Albert Cohen;
5. What are the varieties of sources of strains according to General Strain Theory?
6. Enumerate and discuss the Merton’s five (5) modes of adaptation; and
7. What are the 4 social bonds according to Social Bond Theory?

Congratulations! That’s enough for today; study in advance topics regarding Social Conflict
Theories, you may refer it to our textbook pages 116-122. Thank you!

Source: Learning How to Learn: How to Succeed in School without Spending All Your Time Studying,
A Guide for Teens and Kids by Barbara Oakley and Terrence Sejnowski, 2018