Theory of Criminal Behavior
Running head: Theories of Criminal Behavior
Theories of Criminal Behavior
Theories of Criminal Behavior The beginning of civilization dawned a new era in which man came together to live amongst one another in relative peace and prosperity. The advent of civilization however also brought about people who choose to live a life outside of societal norms and law, norms and thus was the creation of the criminal. All civilizations tried to suppress and discourage crime by using a multitude of tactics and punishments. Crime, however continued to grow despite these harsh tactics and strict laws. Scientists have tried to understand the fundamental drive of the criminal from early antiquity to the modern era. Several theories have arisen from the study of the criminal mind. Theories have examined physical traits to upbringing to genetics, but the mind of a human being may be the most inexact science in existence. The study of the criminal and why they choose (or must) live outside societal norms is still an important study nonetheless. This analysis will present the various theories concerning criminal behavior. It will also compare and contrast the theoretical idea of genetic predisposition to criminal behavior versus the theory that criminal behavior is a learned behavior. The discussion of this analysis will be to look at four theories of crime that attempt to discuss criminal behavior: Sociological, Biological, Psychological and Social-Psychological. As each theory is broken down, advantages and irregularities will emerge to understanding of the criminal mind.
Sociological theory The affluence of society instills aspirations in people and people not afforded the opportunities to live within the social mold of society may turn to alternative methods to attain those aspirations. This best describes what the sociological theory says. According to sociologist Emile Durkheim (1964): …the entire progressive force of the human
Theories of Criminal Behavior
Theories of Criminal Behavior The beginning of civilization dawned a new era in which man came together to live amongst one another in relative peace and prosperity. The advent of civilization however also brought about people who choose to live a life outside of societal norms and law, norms and thus was the creation of the criminal. All civilizations tried to suppress and discourage crime by using a multitude of tactics and punishments. Crime, however continued to grow despite these harsh tactics and strict laws. Scientists have tried to understand the fundamental drive of the criminal from early antiquity to the modern era. Several theories have arisen from the study of the criminal mind. Theories have examined physical traits to upbringing to genetics, but the mind of a human being may be the most inexact science in existence. The study of the criminal and why they choose (or must) live outside societal norms is still an important study nonetheless. This analysis will present the various theories concerning criminal behavior. It will also compare and contrast the theoretical idea of genetic predisposition to criminal behavior versus the theory that criminal behavior is a learned behavior. The discussion of this analysis will be to look at four theories of crime that attempt to discuss criminal behavior: Sociological, Biological, Psychological and Social-Psychological. As each theory is broken down, advantages and irregularities will emerge to understanding of the criminal mind.
Sociological theory The affluence of society instills aspirations in people and people not afforded the opportunities to live within the social mold of society may turn to alternative methods to attain those aspirations. This best describes what the sociological theory says. According to sociologist Emile Durkheim (1964): …the entire progressive force of the human
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