4-1 Discussion: Critical or Interactionist?

Critical and interactionist theories of criminology offer a range of possible explanations of criminal behavior. Some of these theories vary only slightly from one another, and some are considered to be quite radical. For this discussion, you will consider what you have learned from the resources in this module and describe which theory you believe offers the best explanation of either property crime or violent crime, identifying its strengths and weaknesses, and describing a way that this theory might help criminal justice professionals reduce crime.

In your initial post, identify the critical or interactionist theory you believe offers the best explanation of either property crime or violent crime, and justify why you chose that theory. Consider the following in your response:

• What are the strengths of this theory?
• Which criticism of this theory do you believe is most valid?
• Based on this theory’s explanation of possible reasons for criminal behavior, how does this theory influence the practices criminal justice professionals may use to reduce crime?
• Use the “Critical and Interactionist Theories” resources to support your response.

For your two peer responses, respond to one peer who chose the same critical or interactionist theory and one peer who chose a different theory. (If no one chose the same theory you chose, respond to one that is similar to yours or in the same category.) In your responses, consider the following questions:

• Is there something in their support of the theory they chose that you did not consider?
• Which of their points make the most sense to you, even if you do not agree with the theory they chose?
• What is another possible way their chosen theory might help criminal justice professionals reduce crime?

To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric.