Sociological School of Criminology – Analysis
The Sociological School of Criminology explains crime not as the result of biological defects or individual morality but as a product of society, social structure, and group interactions.
It studies how poverty, inequality, family, peer groups, education, urbanization, and cultural conflicts create criminals.
Key Thinkers and Their Theories
1. Emile Durkheim – Theory of Anomie
- Durkheim (Father of Sociology) said that crime is a normal part of society.
- In his book Division of Labour in Society (1893), he explained:
- Crime exists in every society, because people have different values and goals.
- Anomie = a situation where social norms break down (example: sudden economic crisis, rapid industrialization).
- When norms are weak or unclear, people commit crimes.
- Example in India: During sudden demonetization (2016), black money hoarding, fake currency cases increased → result of social disorganization.
2. Edwin Sutherland – Differential Association Theory
- Sutherland said crime is learned behavior.
- A person becomes criminal when he/she spends time with groups that teach criminal values and techniques.
- Crime is not inherited but taught through communication and association.
- Example: A child growing up in a gang area learns theft, drug trade, and violence.
- Indian Example: Many juvenile offenders join criminal gangs because of peer pressure.
3. Robert K. Merton – Strain Theory
- Merton modified Durkheim’s anomie.
- He said that crime happens when there is a gap between goals and means.
- Society sets cultural goals (wealth, success, status).
- But not everyone has equal opportunity to achieve them legally.
- This leads to strain → some people choose illegal ways (theft, fraud, corruption).
- Example: Poor students wanting wealth may become cyber criminals.
- In India, scams like job frauds, chit fund scams, and corruption can be explained through strain theory.
4. Albert Cohen – Subculture Theory
- Cohen focused on delinquent subcultures, especially among youth.
- He argued that lower-class youths form gangs when they cannot achieve success through education or jobs.
- These gangs develop their own values (opposing mainstream values) → stealing, vandalism, violence.
- Example: College student gangs in cities, who commit crimes for status, pride, or fun.
Summary for Exams
- Durkheim → Crime is natural, caused by anomie.
- Sutherland → Crime is learned from associations.
- Merton → Crime happens due to gap between goals and means (strain).
- Cohen → Youth form subcultures when they face failure in mainstream society.
Sociological School of Criminology that is Explaine with example
The Sociological School believes that crime is not only due to individual defects, but mainly due to society, social structure, and environment.
Factors like poverty, unemployment, urbanization, peer groups, and social disorganization lead to crime.
1. Emile Durkheim – Theory of Anomie
- Durkheim said that crime is normal and present in every society.
- When society undergoes rapid changes (economic crisis, industrialization), social norms break down → this is called anomie.
- In such times, people don’t know what is right or wrong → crime increases.
Example:
During COVID-19 lockdown, black marketing of oxygen cylinders and medicines increased due to breakdown of normal rules.
Case Law:
- State of Maharashtra v. Prabhakar Pandurang (1966) – SC observed that crime often arises from breakdown of social order, reflecting Durkheim’s theory.
2. Edwin Sutherland – Differential Association Theory
- Crime is learned behavior.
- A person becomes criminal if he spends time with groups that teach criminal values and techniques.
- “Show me your friends and I’ll tell you whether you are a criminal.”
Example:
Juvenile offenders in slum areas often learn theft or drug trade from elder gang members.
Case Law:
- State of Maharashtra v. Mohd. Yakub (1980) – Court held that preparation and conspiracy for smuggling is punishable.
→ Shows how association with a smuggling group leads to criminal behavior.
3. Robert K. Merton – Strain Theory
- Society gives goals (wealth, success, status), but not everyone has equal legal means to achieve them.
- This gap (strain) pushes some people to illegal methods.
Example:
Unemployed youth wanting quick money may turn to cyber fraud or fake job scams.
Case Law:
- State of Punjab v. Dalbir Singh (2012) – Court observed that socio-economic conditions and lack of opportunity often push individuals towards crime, which reflects Merton’s strain theory.
4. Albert Cohen – Subculture Theory
- Lower-class youths who fail in schools or jobs form delinquent gangs.
- These gangs create their own subculture with values opposite to mainstream society (e.g., valuing violence, stealing, or vandalism).
Example:
College student gangs committing fights, extortion, or vandalism just to gain “status” in their peer group.
Case Law:
- K.M. Nanavati v. State of Maharashtra (1962) – Though not directly about youth gangs, the case shows how cultural and social pressures (honor, masculinity) can drive criminal acts, linking to Cohen’s idea of alternative values in subcultures.
Conclusion
- Durkheim: Crime is natural, caused by anomie.
- Sutherland: Crime is learned from associations.
- Merton: Crime arises from strain between goals and means.
- Cohen: Crime develops in youth subcultures.
Thus, Sociological School shows that crime is a social phenomenon, and controlling crime requires social reforms, education, reducing inequality, and guiding youth.
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