Social structure theories would be best used to explain which of the following crimes?
A. drug dealing in college
B. shoplifting food before receiving welfare payments
C. stealing office supplies at work
D. a mass-murder shooting episode
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: B. Shoplifting food before receiving welfare payments
Explanation:
Social structure theories focus on how society’s organization and socioeconomic inequalities influence crime. These theories suggest that poverty, lack of education, limited job opportunities, and poor living conditions increase the likelihood that individuals will turn to crime as a way to cope with or survive their circumstances.
The best example from the choices that aligns with social structure theories is Option B: shoplifting food before receiving welfare payments. This scenario clearly reflects a person who may be driven by economic hardship—a key element of social structure theories such as strain theory and social disorganization theory.
- Strain Theory (Robert Merton): This theory argues that individuals in disadvantaged positions experience strain when they cannot achieve culturally approved goals (like financial stability) through legitimate means. In this case, the individual may steal food out of necessity while waiting for welfare support—a survival-based decision stemming from social strain.
- Social Disorganization Theory: This theory suggests that communities with high levels of poverty, unemployment, and residential instability are more likely to experience crime. A person in such an environment may resort to theft due to a lack of social and institutional support.
In contrast:
- Option A (drug dealing in college) might be better explained by rational choice theory or subcultural theory, where the individual makes a profit-driven decision.
- Option C (stealing office supplies) reflects white-collar crime, more aligned with opportunity-based or rational choice theories.
- Option D (mass-murder shooting episode) is often linked to psychological or sociological theories focused on mental health or personal grievances, not primarily social structure.
Therefore, Option B most clearly demonstrates how social conditions and economic inequality can directly lead to criminal behavior, making it the best fit for social structure theories.