Inquire

INEQUALITY AND RADICAL THEORY

Inequality and Distribution of Crime

Theorists attempt to attack the engulfing problem of crime from many different angles. Crime is so encompassing that it is difficult to know where to begin. Often times it is toiling to decide on a definition of the intangible subject of crime. This paper proposes that the problem of solving crime is difficult because crime is very diverse. It is just as equally difficult to devise a plan of action because inequality and crime and crime distribution changes. This paper will attempt to explore the crime problem through the visions of the anomie‑strain perspective. The ideas behind this theory concern the stress and strain that people feel in everyday life. This theory explains that crime results from the stress people feel when they set goals or aspirations that are too high and unattainable. In order to reduce or attempt to eliminate the stress and strain, people either lower their goals or increase their potential opportunities which usually means that they commit crimes to gain something they ordinarily could not obtain. The anomie‑strain approach also involves social change. The social change programs involve adjusting society so that the socioeconomic levels and opportunity are equal for everyone. The anticipated goals of this theory are to eliminate the greed and selfishness as well as the overreaching aspirations that lead to the strain and stress and eventually crime. One of the fundamental issues of the anomie‑strain perspective is the optimism versus pessimism debate. The main concern of this background issue is focused on crime control. The concern is whether or not crime control can be effective or not. People on the optimistic side of the debate argue that through hard work, crime can be eliminated. Those on the pessimistic side of the debate argue that ever since history began, people