Matza's Drift Theory

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1. Discuss Matza’s drift theory and the empirical tests of this theory.
David Matza created a theory that explained why youth “drift” in and out of delinquency stages. The technical definition of drift is “[…] a period when he or she exists in limbo between convention and crime, responding in turn to the demands of each, flirting now with one, now with the other, but postponing commitment, evading decision.” There are many defense mechanisms that include denial of responsibility, injury, victim, condemnation of the condemner, and appeals to higher loyalties.
The empirical tests of this theory are not clear. The textbook reports “Some studies show that delinquents consider these rationalizations valid, while other research suggests that they …show more content…

Discuss three programs that have been informed by social control theory.
One of the programs that have been informed by the social control theory would be family. “A child’s bond to a family is crucial,” reports the textbook. In order to build a bond such as this, the parents have to give opportunities that would help the child “participate and succeed in a social unit.” By doing this, the child would not be as aggressive and the parent’s parenting skills get better.
School is another program that has been informed by social control theory. A program has been created in middle and high schools that tries to help decrease delinquency and help students stay committed to school. The neighborhood is the final program that has been informed by the social control theory. Different agencies have tried to prevent juvenile crime that can be implemented by neighborhood organizations. Many programs such as crisis-intervention centers, supervision programs, and more are set up to help neighborhoods to have less juvenile crime.
4. Discuss the basic assumptions of labeling theory, and then evaluate the …show more content…

Delinquents are usually known for their past in criminal behavior and delinquency. This theory may explain why lifetime delinquents and criminals behave the way they do. It does not explain why some people are delinquents and change their lives around.
5. Compare and contrast the consensus and conflict models of lawmaking.
The consensus and conflict models agree that law breaking happens everywhere. Crimes happen everywhere is another agreed upon concept. These two models of lawmaking are vastly different and there is very little that is similar between the two models. The conflict model has a key concept of power, while the consensus model views society as stable and law are for the good of people.
The consensus model assumes that everyone agrees on what is wrong and what is right. The conflict theory questions the system of criminologists labeling criminals by the system. The consensus model believes that deviant behavior is part of functioning society. The conflict theory questions values and has a past in rebellion. The consensus model believes that conflict can be reconciled by the

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