I have to write a paper (14 pages) on some kind of criminology theory, i was thinking on social control theory

any ideas on what i can write about? I wanted to tie it into like gangs, but i'm having trouble come up with an actual topic, or thesis. Any ideas will help tremendously, thanks!I have to write a paper (14 pages) on some kind of criminology theory, i was thinking on social control theory
Why not do some sort of angle on fines as a way to force compliance with a law (such as driving without insurance), and discuss the fact that if someone does not have money for insurance, how do they come up with the money after being fined?





There are three studies on the effects on low income and the mandatory auto insurance law. I have done two and they are at www.foodstampstudy.com (`12 of 96 food stamp applicants said auto insurance was a reason for needing food stamps)





Dr Robert MaRIL (head of the Eastern Carolina University Sociology Dept) did another which indicated 44% of those responding indicated they could not pay their rent or buy food due to auto insurance. Type the following into the yahoo search engine ';The Impact of Mandatory Auto Insurance Upon Low Income Americans';





The theory is that if you fine indigents, they will somehow purchase the insurance, but they also get the money by going on food stamps, going delinquent on their rent, indicating the criminoloy theory of fines has bad repercussions.I have to write a paper (14 pages) on some kind of criminology theory, i was thinking on social control theory
good topic, have you thought about 'deviance' as way to assess gang functioning. Look at their conformity and deviance within the gang and compared to general society. You could also look into Social control mechanisms, comparing a gang and a social club or group * like a football team for example. good luck
if you are doing gangs... what about peer association. that is not what it's called. i forget what it is acutally called. but do the bit about what you do is dependent upon who you hang around with.