CHOICE A: OPPORTUNITY THEORY

Opportunity has been a key component of many criminological theories, but it has often been given little direct attention. Cloward and Ohlin changed this by offering the first theory to give center stage to opportunity.

1. What are the main arguments of the theory, and why does crime occur according to Opportunity Theory? In particular, how does this perspective build on Merton's strain theory of crime?

2. Are there other theories that could also benefit from incorporating the ideas of Opportunity Theory? Pick one or two and explain how Opportunity Theory might be used to inform or extend Control theories, Learning theories, Deterrence theory, Labeling theory, or Biological theories. How could you combine Opportunity theory with one or two of these other perspectives

3. Last, what types of policy suggestions for reducing crime might you draw from Cloward and Ohlin's opportunity theory or alternatively from Cohen and Felson's Routine Activities theory?

CHOICE B: LABELING THEORY

Deterrence is the primary justification for punishment in the U.S. criminal justice system. But labeling theory suggests that punishment may not always work the way deterrence theory suggests.

1. What are the main arguments of the theory, and why does crime occur according to Labeling Theory? What is the effect of punishment according to Labeling Theory, and how does this contrast with arguments of Deterrence theory?

2. Pick 1 or 2 other theories and tell me how they might be combined with Labeling theory? For example, how might Social Learning or Social Bonding be connected to criminal labeling? Or, how would labeling connect with Strain or Opportunity to inform or extend these other theories?

3. Last, what types of policy suggestions for reducing crime might you draw from Labeling perspectives?

Attachment:- OPPORTUNITY & LABELING THEORY.rar