Crime Theories

Crime Theories Jaime Morris Professor Al CIS170-Wk. 4Ass. 2 11/04/12 Digital crimes are believed to be caused by different types of theories. The Strain theory could be the cause of digital crimes because the strain of everyday life. The Strain theory is a sociological theory. The strain of an individual’s everyday life is causing people to “give in” to the pressures in society. Some of these individuals feel that they can’t survive without crime. Strains such as peer pressure, the gain of financial security, and just not being able to reach certain expectations or goals could be factors in the decision in committing a crime.

This type of strains can affect individuals or groups in society. Some people turn to crime digital or non- digital if they can’t maintain their living standards by not being able to get money legally (working a job). This is where the digital crime usually fits in when there is a monetary gain. There is so much that can affect an individual’s reasoning on why to choose to commit digital crimes. The social environmental factors, official crime control methods, values & beliefs, psychological, biological, and social factors interact in different degrees on individuals and groups and therefore give birth to the commitment of crime. 2008). In the Strain theory of crime three situations causes strain on individuals or some groups in society such as: 1. Groups/Individuals preventing them from achieving their goals 2. When an individual or group value is taken away from them 3. Some groups present an individual or group with negative stimuli The motivation or goals can be money, status,/respect, or adolescence autonomy from adults. According to this theory if an individual is prevented from achieving their goals then this will cause strain on them nd to restore respect, money or freedom they may use violent behavior, theft, drug dealing and other illegal methods to obtain money. Lower-class individuals are said to commit crimes because they are unable to earn enough money which leaves them financially unstable or insecure. Middle-class and high-class individuals are believed to commit digital crimes because they want to maintain certain lifestyle or because of greed. Greed is a big reason that I believe digital crimes are committed in today’s society. Digital crimes are becoming more common these days because of constant digital or internet access.

Negative events such as child abuse, criminal victimization, physical punishment by parents, negative relations with parents, negative relationships with teachers, negative school experiences, negative experiences with peers, neighborhood problems or other life altering events can increase the likelihood of an individual to commit crimes or digital crimes. I believe the Strain theory could be relevant for the cause of digital crimes because crimes is the result of lack of opportunity, in particular economic opportunity. The U. S. nstills in citizens a desire for financial success but does not always provide equal opportunity to achieve that success. Therefore, this puts a strain on those who do not have the opportunity. The goal of the U. S. citizens are material wealth. This is what makes white-collar crime exist. Individuals who enjoy a degree of monetary success may engage in instrumental crimes such as money laundering, espionage, or fraud simply because they perceive goal blockage in their attempt to secure ever-increasing wealth. (2008). This is why the Strain theory applies to digital crimes being committed.

Some digital crimes are cyber bullying and stalking. Some non-digital crimes could be murder, burglary, or robbery. Finally, while there are many factors that cause an individual or group to commit digital crimes. The main theory is the economic success of wealth that is said to be the focus of digital crimes. While there are other factors such as anger, depression, frustration, or fear, I believe the most common to be wealth. I feel that digital crimes need to be addressed immediately and focused on so that the U. S. can deter or stop this criminal activity.

A person’s life can be changed with the stroke of a computer key and this is devastating for the victims. Unfortunately, digital crimes are on the rise but they can be decreased with certain security measures taken. Criminals have so many opportunities to commit crimes and this has got to be stopped. References: Taylor, R. , Fritsch, E. , Liederbach, J. , & Holt, T. (2011). Digital crime and digital terrorism. (2nd ed. ). New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. (2008, July 1). Retrieved from http://socyberty. com/sociology/theories-of By prit in Sociology. (n. d. ). Retrieved from www. dmacc. edu/instructors/slude/hofen/E-