How could strain, differential association, social control, social learning, and rational theories be utilized to explain how two siblings from the same household could encounter environmental stimuli that could push both or either of them into crime or pull them under the control of conventional society?
If two siblings of the family grow up in the same household and turn out completely differently-one attends college and becomes a successful doctor and the other becomes a career criminal-can the environment still be held responsible for the deviance of the criminal?
What factors would social control theorists focus on while explaining the differences between the lives of the two siblings? Why?
What factors would differential association theorists focus on while explaining the differences between the lives of the two siblings? Why?
Would any other theories be helpful in explaining the differences between the two siblings? How?
Assuming that one of the siblings is a female, can any specific theories be used to explain the differences between the lives of the two siblings. How?
Why do the majority of people from the highest crime areas not commit crime? Do you think a person's environment has little impact on his or her crime? Why?