Sociological theories of crime may be divided into ________ and ________ explanations.

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Multiple Choice

Sociological theories of crime may be divided into ________ and ________ explanations.

Explanation:
Subcultural explanations and structural explanations are the two broad ways sociological theories of crime are organized. Subcultural explanations argue that crime arises from norms, values, and definitions learned within delinquent groups and peer networks, where illegal behavior is normalized or rewarded within that subculture. Structural explanations emphasize how the broader social arrangement—poverty, inequality, limited opportunities, and institutional organization—shapes incentives and constraints that lead people toward crime. This pairing captures the main contrast in sociological crime theory: micro-level group norms versus macro-level social structure. The other options don’t reflect this widely used division.

Subcultural explanations and structural explanations are the two broad ways sociological theories of crime are organized. Subcultural explanations argue that crime arises from norms, values, and definitions learned within delinquent groups and peer networks, where illegal behavior is normalized or rewarded within that subculture. Structural explanations emphasize how the broader social arrangement—poverty, inequality, limited opportunities, and institutional organization—shapes incentives and constraints that lead people toward crime. This pairing captures the main contrast in sociological crime theory: micro-level group norms versus macro-level social structure. The other options don’t reflect this widely used division.

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