Criminology (theories) Exam Elaboration- Question and Answers [100% Correct] |Latest Updated Set| 2025 Version

1 Criminology (theories) Exam Elaboration- Question and Answers [100% Correct] |Latest Updated Set| 2025 Version Explain the core principles of the Classical School of Criminology. How do they shape modern legal systems? The Classical School of Criminology is based on the idea of free will, rational choice, and the deterrence theory. It asserts that individuals choose to commit crimes after weighing the benefits and consequences. Its influence is evident in the development of structured legal systems emphasizing proportional punishment and deterrence through certainty, swiftness, and severity of penalties. How does Differential Association Theory explain criminal behavior in a professional white-collar setting? Differential Association Theory posits that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others. In white-collar settings, employees may learn to rationalize unethical practices, normalize illegal actions, or imitate deviant behaviors from peers or supervisors, thus perpetuating corporate or financial crimes. Critically evaluate the role of strain in Merton’s Strain Theory. How does it account for various deviant adaptations? Merton's Strain Theory suggests that societal pressure to achieve culturally valued goals, such as wealth or success, creates strain when legitimate means are unavailable. This strain leads to adaptations such as conformity, innovation (e.g., theft), ritualism, retreatism (e.g., substance abuse), and rebellion (e.g., countercultural movements). How does labeling theory perpetuate recidivism in individuals already involved in the criminal justice system? Labeling theory argues that being labeled as a "criminal" leads to internalization of this identity, limiting legitimate opportunities and reinforcing deviant behavior. Societal stigmatization and systemic bias push individuals toward subcultures that accept and promote further crime, creating a cycle of recidivism. Discuss the intersection of social disorganization theory and urban planning. How can crime reduction strategies be derived from this theory? Social disorganization theory highlights the relationship between neighborhood structure, such as poverty and residential instability, and crime rates. Effective urban planning addressing issues like poverty, enhancing social cohesion through community centers, and improving infrastructure can reduce disorganization and lower crime rates. Analyze the feminist critique of mainstream criminological theories. What unique insights does feminist criminology offer about crime causation? Feminist criminology critiques traditional theories for ignoring gendered experiences and societal power dynamics. It emphasizes the role of patriarchy, victimization of women, and systemic inequalities, offering insights into crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and female incarceration. In the context of Routine Activities Theory, explain how technological advancements can both increase and decrease opportunities for crime. Routine Activities Theory posits that crime occurs when a motivated offender, a suitable target, and lack of capable guardians converge. Technology reduces crime through surveillance and digital monitoring but also creates opportunities for cybercrime, identity theft, and online fraud. What are the implications of General Strain Theory in understanding the motivations behind acts of terrorism? General Strain Theory extends strain to include loss of valued stimuli or exposure to negative conditions. Acts of terrorism may be motivated by perceived oppression, loss of cultural identity, or inability to achieve political goals through legitimate means, resulting in extreme deviant actions. Compare and contrast control theory with rational choice theory in explaining juvenile delinquency. Control theory emphasizes the role of social bonds, such as attachment, commitment, and belief in societal norms, in preventing deviance. Weak bonds increase the likelihood of delinquency. Rational choice theory focuses on cost-benefit analysis, where juveniles engage in crime if they perceive the rewards to outweigh risks. How does cultural criminology challenge traditional positivist approaches in understanding crime? Cultural criminology emphasizes the emotional and symbolic dimensions of crime, focusing on how societal norms, power dynamics, and subcultures shape criminal behavior. It critiques positivist approaches for ignoring human agency, emotions, and the socio-political context of deviance. 2 Examine the concept of "broken windows" theory and its impact on policing strategies in high-crime areas. The "broken windows" theory suggests that visible signs of disorder, such as vandalism or minor offenses, encourage more serious crime. It advocates for proactive policing in neighborhoods to address minor infractions in order to prevent larger crimes. However, it has been criticized for disproportionately targeting marginalized communities and fostering over-policing. How does social learning theory explain the development of gang culture? Social learning theory asserts that individuals learn criminal behavior through interactions with others, especially those who model deviant actions. In gang culture, members learn the values, norms, and behaviors associated with criminal activities, reinforcing the idea that crime is an acceptable way to achieve status, power, or wealth. Critically assess the contribution of the "neutralization theory" to understanding juvenile delinquency. Neutralization theory suggests that delinquents justify their behavior by rationalizing or neutralizing guilt. These justifications, such as "everyone does it" or "the victim deserved it," help juveniles cope with societal norms and engage in deviance without fully rejecting those norms. It provides insight into the cognitive processes that support delinquency. Discuss the limitations of the Biosocial Criminology approach in explaining criminal behavior. Biosocial criminology links biological factors and environmental influences in explaining crime. While it offers valuable insight into predispositions, such as genetic traits or neurobiological conditions, it has limitations in accounting for the complexities of social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to criminal behavior. What role does the concept of "anomie" play in explaining deviance in highly industrialized societies? Anomie, as introduced by Durkheim, refers to a state of normlessness or breakdown in societal norms and values. In highly industrialized societies, rapid social change, economic inequalities, or disconnection from traditional norms can lead to feelings of anomie, which may result in deviant behavior as individuals struggle to adapt or find meaning in their lives. How does the social bond theory apply to the prevention of corporate crimes? 3 4 Social bond theory suggests that strong attachments, commitments, beliefs, and involvement in conventional activities prevent individuals from engaging in deviant behavior. In the context of corporate crime, fostering strong ethical standards, accountability, and positive organizational bonds can prevent employees from engaging in illegal activities such as fraud or embezzlement. Analyze the application of routine activities theory in explaining cybercrimes such as identity theft. Routine activities theory posits that crime occurs when a motivated offender encounters a suitable target without capable guardianship. In cybercrime, the widespread use of digital platforms creates opportunities for identity theft, where individuals are vulnerable to exploitation by criminals with malicious intent, often due to inadequate cybersecurity measures. Evaluate the role of power and inequality in the development of critical criminology. Critical criminology focuses on how power dynamics and social inequality shape crime and criminal justice systems. It critiques the ways in which laws, enforcement, and punishment are structured to protect the interests of powerful groups while marginalizing disadvantaged populations, contributing to systemic injustice. How does the life-course perspective in criminology explain the variation in criminal behavior across different stages of life? The life-course perspective suggests that criminal behavior can be influenced by factors throughout an individual's life. Early experiences, social bonds, and environmental influences may contribute to deviance in adolescence, while life transitions such as employment or family formation may lead to desistance in adulthood, highlighting the dynamic nature of crime over the lifespan. Discuss how the concept of "victim precipitation" applies to theories of victimology and its controversial aspects. Victim precipitation theory suggests that victims may actively contribute to the events leading to their victimization through their actions or behavior. While some criminologists use this to understand patterns of victimization, it has been criticized for blaming victims, especially in cases of domestic violence or sexual assault, where the victim’s behavior should not be seen as a justification for the crime. Examine the role of rational choice theory in understanding organized crime syndicates. Rational choice theory suggests that individuals weigh the benefits and risks before engaging in crime. In organized crime, individuals make calculated decisions to participate based on financial incentives, power, and opportunities, while minimizing risks through secrecy, networks, and strategic planning. How does the concept of "cultural transmission" apply to juvenile delinquency? Cultural transmission theory posits that criminal values and behaviors are passed down through generations. In the context of juvenile delinquency, young individuals may adopt criminal norms from their families, peers, or communities, leading to the continuation of criminal behavior within certain subcultures. Critically analyze how the feminist theory challenges the understanding of crime as primarily a male dominated phenomenon. Feminist criminology challenges traditional criminological theories by emphasizing how gender, power, and societal structures shape crime. It highlights how women’s involvement in crime has been historically overlooked and stresses the importance of understanding crimes such as domestic violence and sexual assault from a gendered perspective. What role does social capital play in preventing deviance according to social control theory? Social control theory suggests that strong social bonds to family, community, and institutions create social capital, which prevents deviance. People with high social capital are less likely to engage in criminal behavior because they are more invested in conforming to societal expectations and norms. In what ways does postmodern criminology critique traditional criminological theories? Postmodern criminology critiques traditional theories for their reliance on grand narratives and universal truths. It emphasizes the importance of questioning the power structures behind the creation of laws and criminal justice policies, recognizing the fluid and constructed nature of deviance. Discuss the role of "white-collar crime" in Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory. Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory suggests that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others. White-collar criminals, often in positions of power, learn and rationalize their illegal actions within organizational contexts, perpetuating crimes such as embezzlement, fraud, and corruption. How does anomie theory help explain criminal behavior in rapidly changing societies? 5 Anomie theory, introduced by Durkheim, posits that rapid social change leads to normlessness or a breakdown in societal norms. In societies undergoing rapid change, individuals may feel disconnected from social norms, leading to feelings of alienation and an increased likelihood of deviant behavior. Critically assess the limitations of routine activities theory in explaining violent crimes such as murder. Routine activities theory focuses on the convergence of motivated offenders, suitable targets, and lack of capable guardians. However, it may be limited in explaining violent crimes like murder, which can often result from personal conflicts, emotional triggers, or societal pressures rather than mere opportunity and lack of guardianship. Discuss the impact of "strain theory" in explaining the criminal behavior of individuals in lower-class communities. Strain theory, developed by Robert Merton, suggests that individuals experience strain when they are unable to achieve societal goals through legitimate means. Those in lower-class communities, facing limited opportunities, may resort to deviant behavior such as theft, drug dealing, or gang involvement as a way to cope with their social and economic challenges. How does the concept of "gendered pathways" in criminology help explain female criminal behavior? Gendered pathways theory examines how the socialization of women, including experiences of victimization, abuse, and economic disadvantage, influences their likelihood of engaging in crime. It highlights that women’s criminal behavior is often shaped by unique gendered experiences, such as trauma, that differ from male pathways to crime. Explain how "self-control theory" addresses the relationship between personality traits and criminal behavior. Self-control theory, proposed by Gottfredson and Hirschi, suggests that individuals with low self control are more likely to engage in criminal behavior due to impulsivity, a lack of consideration for long term consequences, and difficulty in regulating emotions. These traits increase the likelihood of criminal acts in situations where opportunities arise. How does the "collective efficacy" theory explain crime prevention in communities? Collective efficacy theory argues that communities with strong social cohesion and shared trust among residents are better equipped to prevent crime. When neighbors work together to monitor and intervene in criminal activities, they form a protective social network that deters potential offenders from committing crimes. 6 Analyze the impact of "peer influence" in the development of delinquent behavior according to social learning theory. Social learning theory posits that individuals learn criminal behavior through interactions with peers who model and reinforce deviant actions. In adolescence, peer influence plays a significant role, as youths adopt criminal behaviors to gain approval, status, or belonging within a group. How does "life-course theory" explain the emergence of criminal behavior in early adulthood? Life-course theory examines how early experiences, including family dynamics, education, and social interactions, affect an individual’s trajectory. It explains that while some individuals may engage in crime during adolescence, others may continue criminal behavior into adulthood due to persistent environmental and social factors, such as unemployment or strained relationships. What does the "conflict perspective" say about the role of law enforcement in perpetuating crime in lower-income communities? The conflict perspective argues that law enforcement often serves the interests of the powerful by criminalizing the behavior of marginalized groups. In lower-income communities, this may result in the over-policing of minor offenses, leading to higher arrest rates, further alienation, and a cycle of criminalization that disproportionately affects disadvantaged individuals. Explain how "subculture theory" explains the formation of criminal subcultures. Subculture theory suggests that groups in society with different values and norms may develop alternative lifestyles that deviate from mainstream societal expectations. Criminal subcultures, often formed in response to societal rejection or oppression, foster values that promote illegal behaviors, such as drug dealing or violence, as ways to gain status and resources. How does "general strain theory" expand upon traditional strain theory in explaining criminal behavior? General strain theory, proposed by Robert Agnew, builds on Merton’s strain theory by recognizing that strain can result from a variety of negative experiences, not just the inability to achieve societal goals. It suggests that individuals who experience negative emotions, such as anger or frustration, are more likely to engage in crime as a coping mechanism. Evaluate how "social control theory" can be applied to prevent corporate crimes. 7 Social control theory, developed by Travis Hirschi, argues that strong social bonds and conventional attachments to society prevent individuals from engaging in crime. In the context of corporate crime, fostering ethical practices, creating accountability structures, and maintaining strong organizational bonds can reduce the likelihood of employees participating in corporate fraud or other illegal activities. What role does "marginalization" play in the development of criminal behavior, according to conflict theory? Conflict theory emphasizes that marginalized individuals, often excluded from economic and social power, may resort to criminal behavior as a means of achieving social status, economic gain, or resistance against systemic inequality. Marginalization exacerbates feelings of powerlessness and encourages deviance in an attempt to challenge or escape societal oppression. Discuss the importance of "cognitive theory" in understanding white-collar crime. Cognitive theory focuses on the mental processes that influence behavior, such as decision making, moral reasoning, and perception of risks and rewards. In white-collar crime, individuals may rationalize illegal activities like embezzlement or fraud, believing they are justified due to the lack of immediate harm or because they perceive the system as unfair or exploitative. How does "routine activities theory" apply to the prevention of burglary? Routine activities theory explains that crime occurs when three factors converge: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of capable guardianship. To prevent burglary, measures such as enhancing security systems, reducing opportunities for offenders, and increasing neighborhood watch programs can disrupt this convergence and reduce burglary rates. What is the significance of "deterrence theory" in shaping criminal justice policies? Deterrence theory posits that individuals are less likely to engage in crime if they believe the potential consequences (punishment) outweigh the benefits. This theory has influenced criminal justice policies that focus on harsher penalties and law enforcement practices, aiming to prevent crime by increasing the perceived risk of detection and punishment. Evaluate how "feminist criminology" challenges the traditional understanding of criminal behavior and law enforcement. Feminist criminology challenges the male-centric theories that dominate traditional criminology, emphasizing that gender plays a significant role in shaping crime and its enforcement. It critiques how 8 the criminal justice system often overlooks or misrepresents crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and the victimization of women, advocating for a more inclusive and gender-sensitive approach. Analyze the concept of "social disorganization" and its role in understanding crime in urban areas. Social disorganization theory suggests that crime is more likely in communities with weak social institutions, low levels of collective efficacy, and a lack of social cohesion. In urban areas, rapid population turnover, poverty, and a lack of community resources contribute to social disorganization, which in turn leads to higher crime rates. How does "routine activities theory" contribute to the understanding of cybercrimes? Routine activities theory explains that cybercrimes occur when there is a convergence of a motivated offender, a suitable target (such as personal information or financial assets), and a lack of capable guardianship (such as weak cybersecurity measures). This theory helps to understand the prevalence of cybercrimes in an increasingly digital world, where these elements are frequently present. Critically assess the role of "cultural criminology" in explaining the relationship between crime and popular culture. Cultural criminology examines the relationship between crime and culture, arguing that crime is often influenced by cultural symbols, media representations, and societal values. It suggests that crime is not only a response to social conditions but is also shaped by cultural meanings, norms, and the ways in which society glamorizes or romanticizes deviant behavior. What is the relevance of "life-course criminology" in understanding desistance from crime in adulthood? Life-course criminology focuses on how factors such as family, education, and employment influence an individual’s likelihood of desisting from crime as they age. It recognizes that desistance from crime often occurs as individuals transition to adulthood, form stable relationships, and gain employment, which provides new social bonds and opportunities for conformity. How does "critical race theory" explain the racial disparities in the criminal justice system? Critical race theory asserts that race and racism are ingrained in social structures, including the criminal justice system. It highlights how policies, practices, and institutions disproportionately affect racial minorities, particularly Black and Indigenous people, leading to over-policing, higher arrest rates, and harsher sentencing compared to white individuals. 9 Explain how "labeling theory" contributes to the understanding of recidivism. Labeling theory argues that individuals labeled as "criminals" may internalize this label, which can lead to further criminal behavior. Once an individual has been stigmatized by the criminal justice system, it becomes more difficult to reintegrate into society, leading to marginalization and an increased likelihood of recidivism. What is the significance of "sociological positivism" in criminology? Sociological positivism suggests that criminal behavior is determined by social factors such as poverty, social inequality, and lack of education, rather than being purely the result of individual choice. It emphasizes the need for social reforms to address the root causes of crime, such as improving social conditions and opportunities for disadvantaged groups. How does "strain theory" explain the connection between inequality and crime in society? Strain theory argues that individuals who experience social inequality, particularly when they lack access to legitimate means of success, are more likely to resort to deviant behavior. The frustration caused by economic disparities and blocked opportunities creates a strain that leads to crime as individuals seek alternative ways to achieve societal goals. Explain the concept of "subculture" in relation to Albert Cohen’s Status Frustration Theory. Albert Cohen’s Status Frustration Theory posits that working-class youths experience frustration due to their inability to achieve success through legitimate means, leading to the formation of delinquent subcultures. These subcultures provide alternative norms and values, allowing youths to achieve status through deviance rather than conventional success. How does strain theory explain criminal behavior among lower socioeconomic groups? Strain theory, developed by Robert Merton, argues that individuals in lower socioeconomic groups experience strain due to the inability to achieve societal goals through legitimate means. This strain leads to alternative ways of coping, such as deviant or criminal behavior, particularly when legitimate opportunities are limited. Discuss how labeling theory can contribute to the persistence of criminal behavior in adults. Labeling theory asserts that individuals who are labeled as "criminals" internalize this label, which influences their future behavior and interactions with society. Adults who have been labeled may face limited social opportunities, leading to stigmatization, marginalization, and continued criminal behavior. 10 Evaluate the role of "social bonds" in preventing juvenile delinquency, according to Hirschi’s Social Bond Theory. Hirschi’s Social Bond Theory posits that strong social bonds to family, school, and society reduce the likelihood of delinquency. When individuals have strong attachments, commitments, beliefs, and involvement in conventional activities, they are less likely to engage in deviance or crime. How does the concept of "cultural capital" relate to Bourdieu’s social theory and its application to criminology? Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital refers to the non-economic resources such as knowledge, education, and social connections that influence one’s position in society. In criminology, individuals with high cultural capital are less likely to engage in criminal behavior, while those with limited cultural capital may face social exclusion and greater involvement in crime. Analyze the impact of "deviant subcultures" on youth gang involvement according to Cloward and Ohlin’s Opportunity Theory. Cloward and Ohlin’s Opportunity Theory suggests that delinquent behavior arises when individuals have access to legitimate and illegitimate opportunities. Youth involved in gangs may adopt deviant subcultures because they lack legitimate opportunities for success, while illegal activities such as drug dealing or theft become viable alternatives for achieving status and financial gain. Explain how the "conflict theory" of criminology helps to understand crimes committed by the powerful. Conflict theory, influenced by Marxist thought, suggests that laws and criminal justice systems are tools used by the powerful to maintain their dominance. Crimes committed by the elite, such as corporate fraud or political corruption, are often overlooked or minimized by the system, which is structured to protect their interests and perpetuate inequalities. How does the "pathway model" explain the relationship between childhood adversity and adult criminal behavior? The pathway model suggests that early childhood adversity, such as abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence, can lead to developmental changes that increase the likelihood of future criminal behavior. These adverse experiences may disrupt socialization, contribute to emotional dysregulation, and reduce opportunities for positive social bonds. 11 What are the main criticisms of the ecological theory of crime, particularly in its application to urban areas? Ecological theory of crime posits that crime is linked to the physical and social environment, particularly in urban areas where disorganization and lack of community cohesion prevail. The main criticisms include its overemphasis on environmental factors while neglecting individual agency, and its inability to account for why some individuals within disorganized areas do not engage in crime. Analyze the role of "corporate crime" in advancing capitalist interests, as seen through a critical criminology lens. Critical criminology views corporate crime as an extension of capitalist interests, where large corporations commit illegal acts, such as environmental violations or financial fraud, to maximize profits. This type of crime is often less scrutinized by the criminal justice system due to the economic power and political influence of corporations. How does symbolic interactionism contribute to the understanding of criminal behavior and deviance? Symbolic interactionism focuses on the meanings individuals attach to their actions and interactions with others. It helps explain how people come to view themselves as deviant through interactions with others, particularly in the context of labeling and role-taking, shaping their future behavior and identity. Evaluate the application of "life-course criminology" in explaining changes in criminal behavior over time. Life-course criminology examines how criminal behavior develops and changes over an individual's lifetime. It emphasizes the influence of early life experiences, transitions, and social factors, suggesting that criminality may be more likely during certain life stages, but can also decline with age as individuals mature or life circumstances change. How do "routine activities" and "situational crime prevention" theories overlap in explaining crime prevention strategies? Routine activities theory focuses on the convergence of a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of guardianship, while situational crime prevention seeks to reduce opportunities for crime by altering the environment. Both theories overlap in their focus on minimizing criminal opportunities by controlling the situational context and strengthening guardianship. What is the primary difference between the sociological and psychological explanations for criminal behavior? 12 Sociological explanations for criminal behavior focus on the influence of social structures, norms, and interactions with others, while psychological explanations emphasize individual mental states, personality traits, or cognitive processes. Both perspectives contribute to understanding the root causes of crime but differ in their focus on societal versus individual factors. Critically evaluate the role of "political economy" in shaping crime and the criminal justice system from a Marxist perspective. The Marxist perspective argues that the political economy shapes crime by maintaining capitalist interests and inequalities. It suggests that crime is often a result of economic structures that exploit the working class, while the criminal justice system serves to protect the property and power of the capitalist elite. Explain how the concept of "social exclusion" explains criminal behavior in marginalized communities. Social exclusion theory posits that individuals or groups excluded from mainstream society may engage in criminal behavior as a way to gain resources, status, or recognition. Marginalized communities, facing poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities, may turn to crime as a means of survival or resistance. Discuss the impact of globalization on transnational crime, particularly human trafficking. Globalization has facilitated transnational crime by increasing the movement of people, goods, and information across borders. Human trafficking has become a significant transnational crime, driven by the demand for cheap labor and sexual exploitation, with criminal organizations exploiting global economic disparities. Conflict theory the view that human behavior is shaped by interpersonal conflict and that those who maintain social power will use it to further their own ends Rational choice theory the view that crime is a function of a decision-making process in which the would-be offender weighs the potential costs and benefits of an illegal act Trait theory the view that criminality is a product of abnormal biological or psychological traits Social structure theory crime the view that disadvantaged economic class position is a primary cause of 13 Social process theory the view that criminality is a function of people's interactions with various organizations, institutions, and processes in society Racial threat theory as the size of the black population increases, the perceived threat to the white population increases, resulting in a greater amount of social control imposed on blacks Victim precipitation theory the view that victims may initiate, either actively or passively, the confrontation that leads to their victimization Deviant place theory Routine activities theory the view that victimization is primarily a function of where people live the view that victimization results from the interaction of three everyday factors: the availability of suitable targets, the absence of capable guardians, and the presence of motivated offenders Arousal theory the view that people seek to maintain a preferred level of arousal but vary in how they process sensory input. A need for high levels of environmental stimulation may lead to aggressive, violent behavior patterns Psychodynamic theory theory, originated by Freud, that the human personality is controlled by unconscious mental processes that develop early in childhood and involve the interaction of id, ego, and superego Attachment theory Bowlby's theory that being able to form an emotional bond to another person is an important aspect of mental health throughout the life span Behavior theory the view that all human behavior is learned through a process of social reinforcement (rewards and punishment) Social learning theory the view that human behavior is modeled through observation of human social interactions, either directly from observing those who are close and from intimate contact, or 14 indirectly through the media. Interactions that are rewarded are copied, while those that are punished are avoided Cognitive theory psychological perspective that focuses on the mental processes by which people perceive and represent the world around them and solve problems Information-processing theory a theory that focuses on how people process, store, encode, retrieve, and manipulate information to make decisions and solve problems Nature theory the view that intelligence is largely determined genetically and that low intelligence is linked to criminal behavior Nurture theory the view that intelligence is not inherited but is largely a product of environment. Low IQ scores do not cause crime but may result from the same environmental factors Social disorganization theory branch of social structure theory that focuses on the breakdown in inner-city neighborhoods of institutions such as the family, school, and employment Strain theory the anger, frustration, and resentment experienced by people who believe they cannot achieve their goals through legitimate means Cultural deviance theory branch of social structure theory that sees strain and social disorganization together resulting in a unique lower-class culture that conflicts with conventional social norms Anomie theory the view that anomie results when socially defined goals (such as wealth and power) are universally mandated but access to legitimate means (such as education and job opportunities) is stratified by class and status General strain theory the view that multiple sources of strain interact with an individual's emotional traits and responses to produce criminality 15 Institutional anomie theory the view that anomie pervades US culture because the drive for material wealth dominates and undermines social and community values 16