Posted: March 12th, 2023

Criminological Theory Research Paper

This is part 2 of the annotated bibliography

1

ANOMIE THEORY

Theory Topic

Anomie Theory

by
Dionysius Ayala

CRJU 212

Dr. Tanya M. Grant

February 21, 2023

Developed by Emile Durkheim, the Anomie theory is a sociological theory that suggests that a lack of clear social norms often results in deviant behavior such as crime. This theory is based on the idea that when a society is in a state of change and upheaval, it can lead to a breakdown in the established social regulations and norms that define it. This can result in individuals feeling disconnected from their communities or feeling as though they have no clear purpose in life, leading to feelings of alienation and, ultimately, a lack of social control. There has been a lot of literature that addresses the topic. The annotated bibliography regarding Anomie theory will be discussed in detail.

Bernburg, J. G. (2019). Anomie theory. In 
Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

This article addresses the origins of anomie theory and its relationship to classical sociology. It begins by briefly explaining Emile Durkheim and what led him to develop anomie theory. It provides meaningful insights on those pushing the theory, including individuals such as Robert Merton, who was responsible for re-formulating anomie theory and introducing particular malintegration of culture as part of the theory.

This article provides meaningful insights into the theorists responsible for the theory. This helps to provide context for the theory. One of the major challenges of sociology is that many of its practitioners do not accommodate the many different cultures and contexts associated with the application of theories. This is why this article is essential. It provides meaningful insights into the theory and the context in which its innovators brought it.

Waring, E., Weisburd, D., & Chayet, E. (2020). White-collar crime and anomie. In 
The legacy of anomie theory (pp. 207-225). Routledge.

This article investigates what causes white-collar crime. This kind of crime is often associated with the affluent in society. The authors use anomie theory to explain it as one of the reasons why white-collar crime is prevalent in the current society. Many in sociology and criminology often argue that crime and poverty are linked, meaning that in areas where there are high poverty levels, there are often high crime levels. However, this statement is not true when it comes to white-collar crime. The fathers of the anomie theory, such as R.K. Merton, rejected theories that associated crime and poverty. This is why anomie theory is the appropriate theory to be used to explain white-collar crime.

This article helps to bring perspective to some of the uses of anomie theory in criminology. The over-reliance on one criminology theory often leads to a bias, which can affect the proper analysis and interpretation of a crime. Anomie theory provides an alternative to understanding crime. This article helps explain how the anomie theory is useful both in practical application and criminal justice study.

Williams III, F. P., & McShane, M. D. (2010). 
Criminology theory: Selected classic readings. Routledge.

This book provides insights into several theories associated with criminology. One of these theories is the anomie theory. It provides insights into Durkheim’s thoughts on the theory and the heritage of the theory. The book also explains the theory and how it has been adapted. It details the theory and how it is applied in contemporary society.

This book provides insights into the important aspects of the theory. It explains that many of society’s members share common values, which teach them what they should strive for and the appropriate ways to achieve these goals. In the absence of the stressing of these means, an anomie condition is created. The book also discusses the dilemma between societies that place too much emphasis on stressing the goals, which puts stress on members of society, and the disorganization that comes with failing to have order in society. This book provides a description of important aspects of the theory.

MIDTERM PAPER

TOPIC:

ANOMIE THEORY

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4-6 pages in length – make sure the paper is a minimum of 4 FULL PAGES! You will receive a ZERO if the paper is short.

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A minimum of 3 sources

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Citations in the paper – and a works cited page at the end

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LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!!!

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The importance of theory: This paper will be a reflective paper where you critically analyze the roots of theory and come up with a hypothesis as to why theory is important in the study of the criminal justice system. This paper will be 4-6 pages in length.  Your paper must include (1) name and theorist of your chosen topic, (2) a brief description of the important aspects of the theory, (3) how the theory can be useful to practical application, (4) why do you think the theory is useful and needed in criminal justice study?