Environmental Stressors

Supporting Lectures:

• Positive Criminology
• Social Structure Theory

This week's discussion will examine the impact of one's local environment on behavior. Considering what is presented in the readings, answer the following questions:

• What impact does an individual's environment and/or genetics have on the individual's ability to make a free choice not to commit criminal acts? Support your response with research.
• What five environmental stressors most impact crime in a community and those who inhabit it? Why?
• How can local leaders address the stressors you identified?
• What environmental factor do you think has the greatest impact on the differences in behavior among youth sharing the same social group, age, and neighborhood?