Which theories suggest that social and economic forces push residents into criminal behavior?

Social structure theories focus on how the organization and characteristics of a society can influence the behavior of individuals within it, particularly in relation to criminal behavior. These theories assert that social institutions, such as family, education, and economy, shape opportunities and constraints for residents.

When economic and social forces are marginalized or oppressive, individuals may be pushed towards delinquency due to limited access to legitimate means of achieving success. For instance, poverty, lack of education, and inadequate community resources can create an environment where crime becomes a viable alternative for achieving goals that are otherwise unattainable. This approach emphasizes that the roots of criminal behavior are grounded in the broader socio-economic conditions rather than in individual pathology.

While other theories like conflict and strain theories also address elements of social influence on behavior, they do so from different angles. Conflict theories emphasize the power struggles and inequalities inherent in society, while strain theories specifically examine the pressure to achieve societal goals in the face of limited means. Social structure theories, however, provide a more comprehensive lens on how the overall arrangement of society can predispose individuals to criminal behavior.