Crime Theories

1. Crime Theories Why do people commit crimes?

2. Because they want to. Choice Theory

3. Choice Theory Rational Criminals = Commit crimes if they will make more $ than legal endeavors. Rational Crimes =Well planned, white collar crimes/organized crime. General Deterrence =Fear of getting caught. Specific Deterrence = Punishment is bad…won’t repeat offence. Situational Crime Prevention = Make it more difficult to commit. Ex: good lighting, surveillance cameras, alarms. Change the environment…not the criminal. Criminals weigh the pros and cons of a crime…and choose to commit if crime will benefit them.

4. Because they are different. Biological Theories

5. Biological Theory Biochemical = Food additives, contamination, low blood sugar, hormonal imbalances. Neurological = Abnormal brain “electrical” function, head trauma, brain chemicals. Genetic Factors = Twin studies, adoption studies find…biological father evidence. Criminals have physical differences which explain their behavior.

6. Because they have mental problems. Psychological Theories

7. Psychological Theory Psychodynamic = Mood disorders, schizophrenia, psychotics (no impulse control) Behavioral = Social Learning Theory…model behavior learned at home and reinforced. Cognitive Theory= Perception equals a person’s reality…faulty information processing. May lack moral judgment. Psychopath= Personality traits: impulsivity, aggression, dishonesty, pathological lying, and lack of remorse. Criminals have disorders of the brain and/or personality that cause them to commit crimes.

8. Because society made them that way. Sociological Theories

9. Sociological Theories Social Structure Theory = Inequality creates crime (Poverty & racism ) Disorganized Neighborhood = High pop density, large # single parent homes, lack of employment opp. & lack collective efficacy Social Process Theory= Poor family relationships, destructive peer groups, school failure, poor self-esteem. Exposure to antisocial behavior, weak ties to society, & labeling. Criminals are a product of society. Social conflicts and problems create criminals.

10. Because the rich and powerful are keeping the rest down. Critical Criminology

11. Critical Criminology Left Realism= Studies crime’s impact on the lower class Radical Feminism= Capitalism’s impact/stress on women & male dominance in society Peacemaking= Humanism…stop the violence. Punishment is a form of violence. New methods must be developed. Criminal Justice System is controlled by rich & powerful ; therefore, what is a crime is based on their morals & values. (Broad view of deviance: racism, sexism, genocide)

12. Because their life experiences have shaped them into criminals. Developmental Theory

13. Development Theories Latent Trait Theory= Crime-prone personality trait is present at birth…impulsive personality, insensitive, risk-taking, shortsighted + opportunity = criminal. Life Course Theory= Experiences throughout life are fluid and changing. People react to these changes sometimes committing crime, sometimes not. Crime is a type of social problem, not a product of other social problems. Social Capital = Positive relationships w/ individuals and institutions…help prevent criminal behavior Life experiences shape the development of repeat offenders.

14. Because there are people who “ask for it”. Victimization Theories

15. Victimization Theories Victim Precipitation = Active: provocative dress, verbal threats, attack first…behaviors lead to victimization. Passive: unintentional provocation- personal growth, group identity Lifestyle Theory= If you associate or participate in deviant/delinquent behaviors, you are more likely to be a victim of crime. Routing Activities Theory= Motivated offenders + suitable targets + absence of effective guardians = CRIME A person’s behavior can influence their own future, and make them more apt to become a victim.

16. Which crime theories do you believe best answer the question… Why do people commit crime?