In the context of crime causation, which theory emphasizes that crime results from the social structure and unequal access to resources?

• A. Social structure theory
• B. Routine activities theory
• C. Labeling theory
• D. Strain theory

Answer: (A)

Crime causation tied to social structure shows how the way society is organized and who has access to resources shapes criminal behavior. Social structure theory argues that patterns of poverty, inequality, segregation, and limited legitimate opportunities create conditions that push people toward crime, making the structure of society itself a driver of offending. This contrasts with routine activities theory, which focuses on the convergence of a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of guardianship in a given moment; labeling theory, which centers on how social reaction and stigma influence someone's future behavior; and strain theory, which emphasizes pressure from blocked goals and means but not the broader structural distribution of resources. So the best answer is the view that crime results from the social structure and unequal access to resources.