Crime Theories

No one theory of crime explains all criminal activity and most theories are complementary to one another. You should approach crime causation with a multidimensional view because of the vast complexities involved in human actions and interactions. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some prominent theories.

Choice Theory or Rational Choice Theory - people commit crimes because the immediate gains out way the potential long term losses.

Biochemical Theory - organic and inorganic substances that go into the body can influence behavior.

Neurological Theory - brain dysfunction is associated with criminal activity.

Genetic Theory - based on adoption studies, there is a correlation between the criminal activity of an individual and his/her biological parents.

Psychoanalytic Theory - early psychological damages cause an imbalance in ones personality having lifelong effects.

Behavioral Theory - watching others rewarded for certain behavior leads one to mimic such behavior. Punishment of such behavior will decrease or eliminate it.

Cognitive Theory - criminal behavior is based on ones inability to correctly process information about ones social environment.

Social Disorganization Theory - criminal activity is a due to a lack of or broken informal social controls such as family, school, neighborhood, and civic services.

Strain Theory - people who adopt the standards of those in a higher socioeconomic situation become frustrated at the lack of opportunity and violate laws in order to meet those standards.

Relative Deprivation Theory - simply living in close proximity with those more wealthy can cause crime due to a since of social injustice, anger and frustration.

Cultural Deviance Theory - creation of an independent class witch upholds obtainable goals such as being cool, promiscuous, intemperate, and excitement.

Differential Association Theory - crime is learned in close and intimate relationships.

Differential Reinforcement Theory - criminal acts that are learned and reinforced through a system of rewards. Criminal acts can be extinguished if punished.

Neutralization Theory - criminals justify their acts by blaming others such as the victim (he or she had it coming) or society (everyone else is doing it, so what’s the big deal).

Social Control Theory - people have a vested interest in a stable society, but when they no longer care about social bonds, they break the social contract and begin infringing on the rights of others (stealing, assault, battery etc.)

Labeling Theory - people become criminals because prominent figures around them, usually at an early stage, labeled them as criminals.

Conflict Theory - people commit crimes because the rich and powerful define their actions as criminal. Those in power are not punished for their supposed criminal acts.

General Theory - crime and criminality are different from one another. A person who lacks self control will commit a crime when presented with an opportunity.

Age-graded Theory - as one grows older, influencing factors change.

Check back often as these theories will be updated and their meanings expanded