Brown: Criminology, 8th Edition


Case Studies

10. New Directions: Integration and a Life-Course Perspective

Alexander was relentlessly bullied in school. He was never physically assaulted but was humiliated and psychologically abused by classmates throughout middle school and part of high school. During his senior year in high school, Alexander finally decided he had to fight back. One day, during his physical education class, several of the male classmates that had been bullying him approached him. Alexander picked up a baseball bat from the nearby equipment room and repeatedly struck one of the boys in the head, causing serious injury. Alexander was subsequently charged with assault with a deadly weapon and sentenced to three years in the state prison.

Alexander kept to himself in prison for several months. However, he eventually decided it would be best for him to associate with other inmates for the sake of his personal safety. He became friends with some guys from one of the prison gangs. He witnessed many of the inmates gaining credibility and respect from fellow members by committing additional violent acts. Alexander realized deviant behavior was highly regarded in his new subculture. It wasn’t long before Alexander became one of the most violent and feared inmates at the state prison.

Questions

  1. Which two theories could be integrated to best explain the evolution of Alexander’s behavior?

    Correct Answer

    Strain theory can explain why Alexander reacted so violently toward the bullies. Social learning theory can explain why he began engaging in more deviant behavior in prison.

  2. How could opportunity theory be applied to this situation?

    Correct Answer

    Alexander was provided with illegitimate opportunities for deviant behavior in prison.

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