In Class Essay 2 : Crime, Deviance, “The Code of the Street” and The Theories

          Both crime and deviance have always been an integral part of human society. By committing criminal activities and having deviant behaviors, people find an instant way to achieve their goals rather than following the legal paths. Crime is defined as breaking the written law, while deviance means opposing the mainstream values. In the book Essentials of Sociology, sociologists had analyzed the reason why crime exists. Through their analysis, they have come out with four different theories that are; functionalist, reinforcement, conflict theory and interactionist. The article “The Code of The Street ”by Elijah Anderson, explains how crime and deviance arise among us. Based on the two reading by Anderson and Essentials of Sociology, I see that reinforcement theory as the most prominent in Anderson’s article and the sub theory of it, control theory, is best in explaining crime.

          The first sub theory of reinforcement why crime happens is learned deviance. Sociologist claims that, “[human] learn deviant behaviors from those significant others with whom we spend the greatest amount of time” (Giddens et. Al. 154). Anderson’s example in “The Code of The Street” is perfectly linked with this theory. He gives an explanation about a child whom his mother teaches him with a corporal punishment. The child might develop fear and eventually he obeys his mother but his interpretation about socializing in public tends to get deviated. The child learned that “ to solve any kind of interpersonal problem one must quickly resort to hitting or other violent behavior” (Anderson 174). Consequently, this violent behavior will be passed down from parents to their offspring. Criminal and deviant behaviors never die as it passed down from generation to the next generation. Violence is not something genetically inherited, it is learned by the interaction among particular people.

          Furthermore, Elijah explains how learned deviance occurs within peers as well. The difference in social status between ”decent “ and “street” families worsened the presence of crime.  “Decent” families encourage their children to follow the social norms whereas “street ” families show lack of ability in educating them. Anderson explains street-oriented children are often fighting with their friends and the winner will enjoy the esteem. Anderson believes,”[fighting] experiences reinforce the lessons…toughness is virtue, while humility is not. In effect they learn the social meaning of fighting”(176). Ultimately, they realize that prevailed the fight by insulting an abusing people will give them a pride. It is believed that this condition happens in everywhere. Therefore, crime always exists because people learn our body can “talk” better and faster than the mouth in order to get something.


         Another type of reinforcement theory, which I feel the best in describing crime is control theory. Hirschi suggests, “the delinquents are often individual whose low levels of self-control are a result of inadequate socialization at home or at school” (Giddens et. Al. 156).  This concept is valid with Anderson’s statement. Anderson asserts “children from street-oriented gravitate to the streets, where they ‘hang’-socialize with their peers”(175). He deems that children who grow up in such environment have likelihood to develop criminal and aggressive behavior. Lack of self-control happens as a cause of lack of education from “street” families. It is human selfish that we ought to stand above from another. Whenever a conflict happens between two different parties, the heated argument between them could lead into a fight. Then, it depends on our mind to do the fight or hold it back. All the things that occur in society are depend on one’s decision. It is their responsibility to control their action. Thus, crime happens because people unable to hold themselves from committing it.

         In the Essentials of Sociology, control theory defines crime occurs a result of “an imbalance between impulses toward criminal activity and the social or physical controls that deter it”(155). Then in “The Code of The Street”, Anderson states,” [o]ne way of campaigning for status is by taking the possessions of others”(177) .From these definitions, it can be seen that the consciousness of one’s self us the one which determine one’s should or should not to commit crime. Everybody has their own way in achieving their goals. People are easily tempted to do delinquencies when they feel hopeless for their future. Inside, their conscience knows that their actions are contradicting with the social norms. Their minds are battling with their own heart and whatever the decision they make, it determines their ability in controlling themselves. The biggest enemy in this world is our mind. We can do anything as we wish to satisfy our desire. Hence, criminal act depends on our ability in bracing ourselves from committing it.

        “The Code of the Street” has a strong correlation with the crime theories proposed by the sociologist. The reinforcement theories, learned deviance and control theory are the most prominent in his article. Criminal and deviant behaviors are acquired from our interaction in public and it is our choice to commit those behaviors or ignore it. To overcome it, all the bad influences surrounding us have to be filtered by our mind. We should be able to control ourselves in responding it. Because of this reason, I feel the control theory best explains crime. Crime starts when people have planned it in their mind.