Criminological Theories and An Analysis of Oprah's Life
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Positivists contend that crime is a result of environmental stressors that push individuals into behavior not in line with conventional society. But, some argue that the credibility within this line of reasoning is limited because most people from the worst areas refrain from crime. There are a number of successful people who came from some of the toughest environments. For instance, Oprah Winfrey came from an extremely difficult childhood situation, yet she became one of the most successful television personalities in the United States
What possible factors could have allowed Oprah to turn her life around and find success when many others in similar or better situations end up becoming criminals? Include the impact of the following factors in your discussion:
•The impact of gender on crime
•The impact of attachment to school and social activities on crime.
•The relationship between income and crime
•The ability to avoid or overcome negative labels
Which criminological theories best describe Oprah's life and success? Why?
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Solution Summary
What possible factors could have allowed Oprah to turn her life around and find success when many others in similar or better situations end up becoming criminals? Which criminological theories best describe Oprah's life and success? Why? Include the impact of the following factors in your discussion:
•The impact of gender on crime
•The impact of attachment to school and social activities on crime.
•The relationship between income and crime
•The ability to avoid or overcome negative labels
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Hello and thank you for your question.
I have divided my guidance/ ideas according to each of the sub-headings within your assignment. I have also included criminological theories to help support your answers and important biographical information about Oprah. You can use this information to formulate a cohesive essay/ answer.
QUESTION:
What possible factors could have allowed Oprah to turn her life around and find success when many others in similar or better situations end up becoming criminals? Which criminological theories best describe Oprah's life and success? Why? Include the impact of the following factors in your discussion:
•The impact of gender on crime
•The impact of attachment to school and social activities on crime.
•The relationship between income and crime
•The ability to avoid or overcome negative labels
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1) The impact of gender on crime
According to Sarah Becker and Jill A McCorkel, women commit less criminal acts than men, many of which are less severe and profitable. They state that according to the classical school of thought, "gender differences in moral development pre-dispose women to an "ethic of care" that inhibits their participation in crime. In contrast, studies emerging from a control theory perspective consider external constraints by examining how differential levels of social control directed at girls and women reduce their overall participation in crime (Hagan, Simpson, & Gillis, 1979; McCarthy,Hagan, & Woodward, 1999). For example, parents may exert greater supervision over daughters and not only tolerate but also encourage greater levels of risk-taking behavior by boys." (Becker & McCorkel, 2011)
Given that Oprah is a female, according to this study, she would have a lower tendency to commit a crime as ...
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