Criminological Theory as Represented in Music Lyrics

Abstract

This is a brief summary of several criminological theories and the analysis of song lyrics that represent these theories. The theories discussed include rational choice, social learning, subculture, and anomie-strain. The analyzed lyrics included verses from Busta Rhymes’s “In the Ghetto,” Jay-Z’s “Never Change,” Mobb Deep’s “Survival of the Fittest,” Lil’ Flip’s “My Block,” Wu Tang Clan’s “The City,” and Talib Kweli’s “Get By.” This may be used as a resource for criminology students, professors, or anyone interested in unorthodox presentations of criminological theory.