SEMESTER SPRING 2012
Introduction to Sociology (SOC101)
Assignment No. 02
Question 1
Labeling a child as delinquent is actually stigmatizing him as criminal. In this way
society isolates that child from social set-up. Nabeel was sexually abused and resultantly
he was considered as untrustworthy. Negatively tagged labels fundamentally change a
person’s self-concept and social identity similar is the situation in the case of Nabeel.
Question 2
This criminal activity is related to age that is called Juvenile Delinquency.
Juvenile delinquency refers to criminal behavior by children under the age of 18.
Question 3
Biological explanation:
Biological explanations of crime began with Lombroso’s research in nineteenth century
and continue in the form of research on human genetics. Biological theories have
provided relatively little understanding of crime. They focus on physical traits of
individuals.
Psychological explanations:
Psychological explanations of crime and other types of deviance focus on abnormalities
within the individual personalities which arise from either biological causes or social
forces. Psychological theories have been relatively successful in explaining some types of
deviance.
Sociological explanations:
Sociologists link deviance to the operation of a society rather than relying on the
deficiencies of individuals. Using the structural functional paradigm, Durkhiem pointed
out several functions of deviance in society as a whole. Other theories under structural
functional paradigm are Merton’s strain theory and theories of criminal subcultures.
In the given case, both psychological and sociological theories can be justified.
According to psychological explanation, Nabeel was sexually abused in his early
childhood, so it can be the cause of deviance and crime. And with reference to
sociological approach, the provided environment of hostel and bad company of the boys
encourage him towards negativity.
(Student approach may vary)
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