can someone please help me to understand what I am looking for to answer this question and where to find the information. examine how criminal justice responses to crime may be shaped by these theories (Differential-Association and the Rational Choice).
To answer the question about how criminal justice responses to crime may be shaped by the theories of Differential Association and Rational Choice, you need to understand what these theories are and how they relate to criminal justice. Here's an explanation of each theory:
1. Differential Association Theory: This theory, proposed by sociologist Edwin Sutherland, suggests that criminal behavior is learned through social interaction with others. According to this theory, individuals become criminals if they are exposed to an excess of definitions favorable to law violations over lawful definitions. In other words, if an individual associates more with people who have criminal attitudes and behaviors, they are more likely to engage in criminal behavior themselves.
2. Rational Choice Theory: This theory assumes that individuals make rational decisions by weighing the potential benefits and costs before engaging in criminal behavior. It suggests that criminals make a conscious choice to commit a crime after considering the potential rewards, risks, and the situation's surrounding circumstances. Rational Choice Theory places emphasis on the idea that individuals will engage in crime if they perceive the benefits to outweigh the costs.
Now, to examine how criminal justice responses to crime may be shaped by these theories, you can start by looking for information and scholarly sources. Here are some steps you can take to find relevant material:
1. Library Resources: Visit your local library or university library and search for books or academic journals that discuss criminal justice theories, particularly Differential Association and Rational Choice Theory. These resources often provide in-depth analyses and discussions on how criminal justice systems and institutions respond to criminal behavior shaped by these theories.
2. Online Databases: Utilize online databases such as JSTOR, ProQuest, or Google Scholar to search for academic articles and studies related to criminal justice and the application of these theories. Use specific keywords such as "criminal justice responses to Differential Association Theory" or "application of Rational Choice Theory in criminal justice" to narrow down your search.
3. Criminal Justice Websites: Explore websites of reputable criminal justice organizations, think tanks, or academia that focus on criminal justice research and policy analysis. These organizations often publish reports, articles, and policy briefs that discuss the application of theories in criminal justice and their influence on policy-making and enforcement practices.
4. Scholarly Journals: Look for academic journals specifically dedicated to criminology and criminal justice studies. These journals frequently publish articles that delve into the relationship between theories and criminal justice practices. Examples of prominent journals in this field include "Criminology," "Journal of Criminal Justice," and "Crime & Delinquency."
Once you have gathered enough information on how criminal justice responses may be shaped by Differential Association and Rational Choice theories, you can analyze the sources to identify consistent patterns, theoretical frameworks, and practical implications. This analysis will help you formulate a comprehensive answer to the question.