probation and parole class 1

Module 2: Discussion Board Assignment

1. According to Gary Becker: “A person commits an offense if the expected utility to him exceeds the utility that he could get by using his time and resources at other activities.” Becker argues that “a useful theory of criminal behavior can dispense with special theories of anomie, psychological inadequacies, or inheritance of special traits and simply extend the economist’s usual analysis of choice.”

In essence, Becker is arguing that none of the other theories presented in Chapter 7

of the Abadinsky text have any explanatory power or relevance to explaining criminal

activity. He argues criminal activity can simply be explained as an individual choice

one makes after weighing the benefits and consequences of a particular form of

behavior including crime.

Questions:

a. Do you agree or disagree with Becker’s explanation of crime? Explain your position.

b. In your view, is Becker’s position consistent or inconsistent with Reality Therapy? Would Becker support the use of Reality Therapy or would he argue against its use? Explain.

2. In Chapter 7, both individual and group therapeutic techniques were discussed.

Questions:

a. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of both individual and group therapeutic techniques.

b. In your view, which therapeutic technique, individual or group, is more effective in reducing recidivism among probationers and parolees? Explain.

-I will attach chapter 7 on the private message

 

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