W3 CJS 231 Examining Social Structure Theory Paper
Examining Social Structure Theory
Heather Huyser
CJS 231
December 22, 2014
Christopher Hammond
Examining Social Structure Theory
For the purpose of this paper in examining theories, I have chosen to view the Tent City, AZ video. “Located in the desert near downtown Phoenix, Tent City houses 2,000 inmates in canvas tents” (Films Media Group, 2007). Conditions are difficult for the inmates, and since there are no prison bars, maintaining control over the inmates is a constant concern for the guards (Films Media Group, 2007). I will show that the content of the video should be appropriately acknowledged as well as studied using a social structure theoretical application. I will review the social disorganization theory, the strain theory, and the culture conflict theory, and how they supported the social structure theory in relation to Tent City. I will identify the primary subjects of the video, and the social issues that are raised for the inmates in the Tent City facility. Additionally, I will examine the major principles of sociological theories and the ramifications of social process change. Let’s begin with an explanation of the social structure theory and some examples from the video that supports these theories.
Supporting Social Structure Theory
In watching the Tent City video, it is apparent that it follows the social structure theory. The subcultures that are created by dividing the inmates into racial groups comes with some protection for the inmates from those in their racial group, but this protection can come with a price (Films Media Group, 2007). According to the text, there are three major types of theories that support the social structure theories. They include the social disorganization theory, strain theory, and culture conflict theory (Schmalleger, 2012, "Social Structures Theories/Types of Social Structure Theories"). The text goes on to explain that the “Social disorganization theory (which depicts social change, social conflict and lack
Heather Huyser
CJS 231
December 22, 2014
Christopher Hammond
Examining Social Structure Theory
For the purpose of this paper in examining theories, I have chosen to view the Tent City, AZ video. “Located in the desert near downtown Phoenix, Tent City houses 2,000 inmates in canvas tents” (Films Media Group, 2007). Conditions are difficult for the inmates, and since there are no prison bars, maintaining control over the inmates is a constant concern for the guards (Films Media Group, 2007). I will show that the content of the video should be appropriately acknowledged as well as studied using a social structure theoretical application. I will review the social disorganization theory, the strain theory, and the culture conflict theory, and how they supported the social structure theory in relation to Tent City. I will identify the primary subjects of the video, and the social issues that are raised for the inmates in the Tent City facility. Additionally, I will examine the major principles of sociological theories and the ramifications of social process change. Let’s begin with an explanation of the social structure theory and some examples from the video that supports these theories.
Supporting Social Structure Theory
In watching the Tent City video, it is apparent that it follows the social structure theory. The subcultures that are created by dividing the inmates into racial groups comes with some protection for the inmates from those in their racial group, but this protection can come with a price (Films Media Group, 2007). According to the text, there are three major types of theories that support the social structure theories. They include the social disorganization theory, strain theory, and culture conflict theory (Schmalleger, 2012, "Social Structures Theories/Types of Social Structure Theories"). The text goes on to explain that the “Social disorganization theory (which depicts social change, social conflict and lack
References: Films Media Group (2007). Lockdown: Tent City [Video file]. Retrieved from Films on Demand website: http://digital.films.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=7967&xtid=40796 Schmalleger, F. (2012). Criminology Today: An Integrative Introduction (6th ed.). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection Database