Theories Of Crime
Theories of Crime
Abstract
This thesis explores the relatively new criminal phenomena of computer crime, or as it is more commonly termed, hacking. The foundation for the examination is based on how well traditional psychological theories of crime and deviance explain this new behaviour. Dominant theories in each of the categories of psychoanalytic, learning and control are discussed. The thesis concludes that for the most part, traditional psychological theories are deficient with regard to explaining criminal computer behaviour. It is argued that differential association and social learning theory may be partially effective in explaining the initial involvement and continuation of criminal computer behaviour.
Psychological …show more content…
Dominant theories within each of these categories will be briefly reviewed.
The major psychological theories of crime have been influenced to some extent by other fields (i.e., criminology, sociology, & biology) (Feldman, 1993; Hollin, 1989). Criminology may have had the largest effect on the development of behavioural theories of crime (Bartol, 1991; Hollin, 1989). As such it is important to briefly review the two predominant schools of thought in criminology, classical, and positivist theory. (Clinnar & Quinney, 1986; Feldman, 1993; Hollin, 1989). The classical theorists hold central the concept that man is capable of free will (Hollin, 1989). Crime can be explained in terms of choices between criminal behaviour (if the opportunity arose) or non-criminal behaviour. If the rewards for a criminal act are greater than the retribution, the probability of criminal behaviour increases (Hollin, …show more content…
Sublimation has also been offered as a factor for an individual engaging in criminal behaviour (Blackburn, 1993; Hollin, 1989). The criminal act is thought to result from inner unsatisfied wishes, which in turn stem from a failure to express strong emotional ties with another person, often the parent (Hollin, 1989).
Although there are other psychoanalytic theories of crime (maternal deprivation, low self-esteem), the length restriction on this paper prevents a more in depth review.
Psychoanalytic theories of crime stress the role the inner processes and conflicts play on the determinants of behaviour (Blackburn, 1993; Hollin, 1989). Blackburn (1993), summed up the psychoanalytic theory of crime as subscribing to three claims: (1) socialization depends on the internalization of society’s rules during early childhood; (2) impaired parent-infant relationships are causally related to later criminal behaviour; (3) unconscious conflicts arising from disturbed family relationships at different stages of development are the causes of some criminal
Abstract
This thesis explores the relatively new criminal phenomena of computer crime, or as it is more commonly termed, hacking. The foundation for the examination is based on how well traditional psychological theories of crime and deviance explain this new behaviour. Dominant theories in each of the categories of psychoanalytic, learning and control are discussed. The thesis concludes that for the most part, traditional psychological theories are deficient with regard to explaining criminal computer behaviour. It is argued that differential association and social learning theory may be partially effective in explaining the initial involvement and continuation of criminal computer behaviour.
Psychological …show more content…
Dominant theories within each of these categories will be briefly reviewed.
The major psychological theories of crime have been influenced to some extent by other fields (i.e., criminology, sociology, & biology) (Feldman, 1993; Hollin, 1989). Criminology may have had the largest effect on the development of behavioural theories of crime (Bartol, 1991; Hollin, 1989). As such it is important to briefly review the two predominant schools of thought in criminology, classical, and positivist theory. (Clinnar & Quinney, 1986; Feldman, 1993; Hollin, 1989). The classical theorists hold central the concept that man is capable of free will (Hollin, 1989). Crime can be explained in terms of choices between criminal behaviour (if the opportunity arose) or non-criminal behaviour. If the rewards for a criminal act are greater than the retribution, the probability of criminal behaviour increases (Hollin, …show more content…
Sublimation has also been offered as a factor for an individual engaging in criminal behaviour (Blackburn, 1993; Hollin, 1989). The criminal act is thought to result from inner unsatisfied wishes, which in turn stem from a failure to express strong emotional ties with another person, often the parent (Hollin, 1989).
Although there are other psychoanalytic theories of crime (maternal deprivation, low self-esteem), the length restriction on this paper prevents a more in depth review.
Psychoanalytic theories of crime stress the role the inner processes and conflicts play on the determinants of behaviour (Blackburn, 1993; Hollin, 1989). Blackburn (1993), summed up the psychoanalytic theory of crime as subscribing to three claims: (1) socialization depends on the internalization of society’s rules during early childhood; (2) impaired parent-infant relationships are causally related to later criminal behaviour; (3) unconscious conflicts arising from disturbed family relationships at different stages of development are the causes of some criminal