Criminal Behavior
7 Key Theories of Why People Commit Crime
Rational Choice Theory: Most people act in their self-interest and choose to commit a crime, even after considering the consequences and potential risks it will cause. Social Disorganization Theory: What a person's physical and social environments are like affects the way they act. If they live in a more structured (nicer) neighborhood, they will most likely be a more structured person. If they live in a very violent area with poor schools, vandalized buildings, etc. , this may cause them to act out. Strain Theory: Many people have goals in life and want to be successful. Sadly, not everyone is capable of doing the things needed to achieve that goal. Many times when people fail to achieve their goals, they decide to gain success through crime. Social Learning Theory: The people around you, affect how you act. It's like when your friend says a phrase a lot, such as "that's rad". After a while, you may start to say it too. That's how it is with criminal behavior too. If you parents did a lot of bad things, you may start doing those bad things too. Social Control Theory: A lot of the time, criminals commit crimes to be in control. They don't like being told what to do, whether it's in school or at their job. Labeling Theory: When someone has done something wrong, and then is called a criminal and is punished, many times leads them into more trouble. When society gives that person a "label", they want to act out even more. Biology/Genetics Theory: Many people make bad choices because of their mental illness or bad brain chemistry. |
Nature vs. Nurture
Which one do you think impacts criminal behavior most: heredity or the environment? Why? Check out this YouTube video! It will help you understand the concept of Nature vs. Nurture.
More about Nature vs. Nurture
Some scientists believe that your personality is based on your genes (nature). Other scientists believe the way you act is influenced on who raised you and how you were raised (nurture).
You may have big brown eyes and really tan skin like your mom, but where do you get your passion for art and music? Is it from your genes or is it because the people who raised you loved the arts and music as well. This is what the Nature vs. Nurture debate is all about. It has been proven that many twins seperated at birth, and found each other as adults, have the same brands of things, are in the same career field, etc. Many criminologists believe this works with criminals as well. They believe that since their mother and father were serial killers, its quite possible they would become criminals as well, even if they never met their parents. To learn more about the Nature vs. Nurture debate, click the links below! |