IntroductionThrough the analysis of Jurgen Habermas' work, the following statement aims to provide an understanding of his arguments around crisis-prone theories. Jurgen presents the traditional Marxist notion of crisis tendencies as obsolete and somehow no longer relevant within a capitalist society (Heath, J, 2011). Jürgen Habermas examines obstacles to development in contemporary Western societies, which he believes are caused by tensions tending towards crisis. Using concepts derived from his work, this article analyzes the legitimation problems faced by modern states. Furthermore, the essay focuses specifically on defining the notion of “legitimation crisis” using examples and contextualizing its broader use and meaning. Finally, it will identify crimes and policies that have been affected by legitimation crisis trends. Define legitimation crisis tendencies and its role within society. Social scientific research helps us understand why certain structures exist in society and what the ramifications of these structures are. Theories are presented to aid analysis of our systems and policies which often result in reforms. Social scientist Jürgen Habermas presented a collection of theories on crisis tendency. This essay will focus specifically on his theory of legitimation crisis tendencies. The concept of “legitimation” is a central tenet of Habermas' crisis theory. It can be argued that Habermas' use of the term is similar to that presented by well-known social theorist Talcott Parsons in his early work (Smit, 2007). However, Habermas' original concepts provide a different view on how we perceive the role of the state. The role of the state is vital in an advanced capitalist... middle of paper......s.com/ip/journal/v44/n2/full/8800182a.html].Thome, H, ' Explaining Long Term Trends in Violent Crime", pp. 69-86. Works Cited: Craib, I, 1992, "Modern Social Theory: from Parsons to Habermas" (second edition). New York ; London: Harvester Wheatshe.Ogundiya, S, 2009, ' The Cycle of Legitimacy Crisis in Nigeria: A Theoretical Exploration', Usman Danfodiyo University, Nigeria: Sokoto, accessed 12 May 2012, [http://www.krepublishers.com/ 02-Journals/JSS/JSS-20-0- 000-09-Web/JSS-20-2-000-09-Abst-PDF/JSS-20-02-129-09-759-Ogundiya-IS/JSS- 20-02-129-09-759-Ogundiya- IS-Tt.pdf].Parsons, T, 1939, 'The Professions and Social Structure', Social Forces, volume 17, pp. 457-467.Smit, C, 1999, "The Moral Purpose of the State", Princeton: Princeton University Press. Weber, M, 1957, "The Theory of Social and Economic Organization", New York: Free Press.