Whites of West Virginia term paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Whites of West Virginia - Term Paper Example This crime can be explained through various criminology theories; strain theory and genetics theory are two which will be discussed in this paper. Drug possession, trafficking, and distribution are crimes which include the possession, selling, importing, or transportation of any illegal control substance. For drug possession, the offender must have physical control of the drugs. Drug trafficking can be done by an individual or a group of people but the punishment depends on various factors such as the location, type of drugs, people involved, and amount of drugs trafficked. These offenses come under criminal charges and can result in heavy levels of punishment. It is difficult to ever know clearly what the reason behind a crime being committed was. Criminology gives several theories which help in determining the reasoning of crimes. Two of those theories will be covered which the strain theory by Robert K Merton and the genetic theory which focuses on ‘nature vs. nurture’. The strain theory suggests that ‘no legitimate means, substitute illegitimate means’. The genetic theory suggests that acting criminally is in a person’s DNA, maybe because they are born in a life of crime. The reasons why individuals commit crimes in Merton’s strain theory are because they have a lack of opportunity, deviance, and a need to accomplish the ‘American Dream’ (Samaha, 2005). The causes of crime according to the biological theory of genetics are faulty genes, lack of moral development, and a limited rationality. In Merton’s strain theory, the lack of equal opportunity and no legitimate means are the major reasons for crime. Merton believed that the reason why a person is forced to commit a crime is that they don’t get equal opportunities. In order to eliminate crime, Merton believed that more equal opportunities must be provided. Practically it may be impossible to give an equal salary cap to everyone but the society must ensure