Instructions: After you read the theories of crime chapter in the textbook and the article by Hay (2001) located in this module, watch the movie below directed by John Singleton (mentioned in the syllabus), and then answer the two discussion questions below. You can either watch the first 36 minutes of the film or the entire movie to answer the questions. The goal of this exercise is to be able to apply crime theories to the real life situations. Please note that some other theories can be used to explain the different behaviors of these people.
Boyz n the Hood and Control Theory
This clip is about three young boys who are living in South Central L.A. Tre’s parents are divorced and he has had problems with aggressive behavior, however, he is quite smart and does well in school. Eventually, Tre is sent to live with his father where he meets some of the neighborhood kids including Darren (Dough-Boy) and Ricky. Darren and Ricky are being raised solely by their mother in a single parent family. At the end of the clip we see the boys seven years later. Tre is a good student and holds down a regular job. Ricky has gotten his girlfriend pregnant and does poorly in school, but has a chance of going to college on a football scholarship. Darren has dropped out of school, drinks a lot, and has slipped into the gang lifestyle; he has been arrested and incarcerated at least once and associates with criminals.
Discussion Questions
Apply Hirschi’s theory of social bonding to the film. Based on what you saw in the clip, how did Tre (aggressive, clean-cut kid), Ricky (football player), and Darren (Dough-Boy…the chubby kid) vary in their levels of social bonding (specifically attachment, involvement, and commitment…focus on family aspects)? Using this theory, explain the differences in Tre, Darren, and Ricky (i.e., why did they turn out differently?).
Apply Gottfredson and Hirschi’s self-control theory to the clip. Which of the three boys has the highest level of self-control? Which has the lowest level of self-control? Why did Tre turn out differently than the other two? Why are Ricky and Darren so different?
This assignment should be at most 3 pages. It is worth 30 points. Use “Microsoft Word”, font: Times New Roman, font size: 12.
