Question

Doug commits home burglaries to support his drug habit. He targets homes in gated communities because he believes the homeowners will have more valuables for him to steal, and he only commits crimes when no one is home. Doug's criminal behavior is best explained by __________ theory.

A. Routine Activity Theory
B. Strain Theory
C. Social Control Theory
D. Social Learning Theory

Answer 1

Doug's criminal behavior is most closely aligned with Social Disorganization Theory, which suggests that crime is influenced by weak social ties and lack of social control in communities.

Step-by-step explanation:

Doug's criminal behavior is best explained by Social Disorganization Theory. This theory posits that crime tends to occur more frequently in communities with weak social ties and the absence of social control. Doug's choices to commit burglaries in gated communities to support his drug habit could be influenced by his belief that these areas contain more valuable targets, notwithstanding the underlying social issues such as weak communal bonds or inadequate social supervision within his own community that may contribute to his criminal behavior.