Theories of Criminology
While working in the criminal justice system, professionals will encounter various criminal behaviors. The purpose of this assignment is to familiarize you with each of the theories of criminal behavior, as well as apply various theories to practical scenarios.
Preparation
Review Chapters 5-8 of your textbook, Introduction to Criminology: Theories, Methods, and Criminal Behavior to prepare for this assignment. Please use the Criminology Theories Table 5.1, from Chapter 5, for reference as you complete this assignment.
Scenario
You are part of a task force that is assessing the increase in criminal behavior within your community. The police and city leaders want to know more about how criminological theories play a role in the causation of crime. You find the best way to present the information is through a chart and using some recent events as scenarios to determine which theory applies to that specific criminal behavior.
Instructions
Complete the tables in the to address the following:
Define theories identified with themes of Sociological, Biological, Early, and Classical.
Apply the most relevant theory for each scenario.
For each theory within the table be sure to:
Fill in the appropriate definition as it aligns with its theory.
Formatting Requirements
Define the major theories of criminal behavior: Early, Classical Biological, and Sociological.
Sample Solution
Biological Theories
| Theory | Definition |
|---|---|
| Biological Determinism | This theory suggests that criminal behavior is determined by biological factors, such as genetics, hormones, or brain abnormalities. |
| Biosocial Theory | This theory combines biological and social factors to explain criminal behavior. It suggests that biological predispositions can interact with environmental factors to influence criminal behavior. |
Sociological Theories
| Theory | Definition |
|---|---|
| Social Disorganization Theory | This theory suggests that crime is more likely to occur in areas with weak social institutions, such as family, schools, and community organizations. |
| Strain Theory | This theory argues that crime occurs when individuals experience strain or stress, such as economic inequality or social injustice. |
| Social Learning Theory | This theory suggests that criminal behavior is learned through observation and imitation. |
| Control Theory | This theory argues that people conform to social norms because of strong social bonds. When these bonds weaken, individuals are more likely to engage in criminal behavior. |
| Labeling Theory | This theory suggests that criminal behavior is a result of societal labeling. Once individuals are labeled as criminals, they are more likely to engage in further criminal behavior. |
Applying Theories to Scenarios
| Scenario | Applicable Theory | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| A teenager from a low-income neighborhood joins a gang and becomes involved in drug dealing. | Social Disorganization Theory, Social Learning Theory | The neighborhood’s lack of social institutions and the influence of delinquent peers may have contributed to the teenager’s involvement in crime. |
| A person with a history of head injuries exhibits impulsive and aggressive behavior. | Biosocial Theory | The head injuries may have affected the person’s brain function, making them more prone to criminal behavior. |
| A highly intelligent individual commits a series of white-collar crimes, such as embezzlement and fraud. | Rational Choice Theory | The individual may have calculated the potential rewards of the crimes and determined that the risks were low. |
| A person with a history of substance abuse engages in property crimes to fund their addiction. | Strain Theory | The individual may be experiencing strain due to their addiction and may resort to crime to cope with their situation. |
By applying these theories to real-world scenarios, we can gain a better understanding of the complex factors that contribute to criminal behavior. This knowledge can inform the development of effective crime prevention and intervention strategies.
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