Theories of Crime

This paper reviews and compares psychological and sociological theories of crime at the level of the society, the community, the group, and the individual. (Learn More)

This paper discusses that the psychological theories of crime relate to the mental programming and functioning of the human brain and the way it is programmed; whereas, the sociological theories relate to the functioning of a society and its value system that can create criminals. The author points out that the psychological theories of crime are better at explaining some kinds of crimes, such as violence against women; but other kinds of crimes, such as picking pockets in a rough neighborhood, are better explained using the sociological theories of crime. The paper explains that biological theories are related to the inherited genetic influences and any abnormalities due to a defective construction of the brain or the body, such as a hyperactive thyroid gland or other malfunctions of the human body and their effects on the behavior of individuals.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Psychologist’s Theories of Crime
Sociological Theories of Crime
The Incompatibilities between the Psychologist and Sociologist Theories of Crime
Conclusion

If a person rejected by the society maintains contact through necessity with people constantly attempting to destroy that individual by making him develop a low ego and self-image and calling him a thief, killer or rapist; the person is likely to develop a criminal behavior. This behavior takes the form of a desire to take revenge on a society that gave him absolutely nothing. This process, called the Labeling theory, explains that, if a society is made up of people with sick deviant minds where they are constantly bent on destroying each other, then that society is likely to produce more criminals.