Walter B. Miller`s theory on lower-class

Walter B . Miller 's Theory on Lower Class

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Abstract

In this , the researcher will identify which focal concern , as described by Walter B . Miller`s theory on lower-class culture , is believed by the researcher to most contribute to delinquency . The answer will be supported by examples . To conclude , the researcher will respond to another answer that disagrees with the researcher 's opinion explaining why the original opinion should be supported and why the opposing opinion should be refuted

Focal

Concerns of Miller 's Theory

Walter B .Miller 's Theory on Lower Class Culture , in an attempt to explain the problem of criminal activity and more specifically deliquency , holds in one specific area of the theory that many criminals are created by environment , having grown up in a lower socioeconomic class which at best allows and at worst promotes criminal activity (Wolfgang , et al , 1962 . For the purposes of this , the researcher agrees that this aspect of lower-class culture contributes most to delinquency

Miller 's theory is in alignment with the classic nurture versus nature ' argument to explain the development of the deliquent individual , meaning that criminal minds are formed by the forces of their environment , rather than simply being chemically programmed as a function of the anatomy of the human brain . Much like lower animal life forms are trained to behave in a certain way , the criminal originally becomes a criminal because he or she is in effect trained ' to behave in that way . The reasons for this sort of criminal culture , as cited by Miller include economic disadvantage among certain ethnic groups and the like , but there are also solid examples to support his assertions and to reinforce the researcher 's position

Evidence to Support the Position

From a technical standpoint , studies and statistics clearly show that by and large , the majority of deliquency , and subsequent criminal activity , is originated in the lower classes of society , as opposed to the middle or upper classes , as defined by income , employment levels etc (Cohn , et al , 1998 . Interestingly , adding to the strength of the argument made in this , the crimes committed by lower classes are more frequent and violent in nature , giving further proof that these individuals are literally raised to become criminals , as criminality is a part of their everyday culture and lifestyle , especially during their formative years when morals and values are established in the individual (Wolfgang , et al , 1962

Simply put , the argument of Miller , that criminals are created particularly in lower-class environments because of the tolerance and even support of criminal activities in their communities is agreed to by the researcher and backed up by secondary sources . However , there are those who hold a contrasting view , which will now be discussed

Disagreement With the Researcher 's Position

In opposition to the researcher 's argument is the assertion that criminals become what they are because of biological factors , supporting the nature ' element of nature versus nurture . While this admittedly may occur in extreme cases , the studies on the largely refute this claim , and in fact , sources indicate that those in middle or upper class environments are less likely to indulge in criminality (Shostak , et al 1964 . This evidence , as is apparent , has existed for decades

Conclusion

In closing , let it be understood that evidence exists to support the argument that criminal activity is created due to lower class environments that advocate such behavior in an overwhelming majority of the cases References

Cohn , E . G , Farrington , D .

Wright , R . A (1998 . Evaluating Criminology and Criminal Justice . Westport , CT : Greenwood Press

Shostak , A . B Gomberg , W (Eds (1964 . Blue-Collar World : Studies of the American Worker . Englewood Cliffs , NJ : Prentice-Hall

Wolfgang , M . E , Savitz , L Johnston , N (Eds (1962 . The Sociology of Crime and Delinquency . New York : John Wiley and Sons

Word Count

The word count for this essay is 578 words , excluding References and this section of the

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