Classical Criminological Theory And Sociological Strain...

When attempting to understand crime it is difficult to say definitively why criminals do what they do or how we define crime. Thus, it is equally difficult to simply articulate why crime still exists. However, through careful consideration it can be determined that crime’s perpetual existence is due to two overarching reasons: initially, as it is inherent within any society and is relative to individuals’ choices and actions. Moreover, crime exists due to an infinite cycle of collaborative factors acting upon individuals. Such arguments are enhanced when viewed through the lens of classical criminological theory and sociological strain theory respectively as well as through intersectional analysis. Classical criminological theory credits all individuals as having the capacity to make rational decisions, acted upon by their free will. Cesare Beccaria, a founding advocate of classical theory was adamant that individuals are driven to commit criminal actions by their own self-interest (McLaughlin and Muncie, 2001). Such views have remained embedded within this traditional theory providing how it stresses the notion of individual choice. These individual choices have two outcomes, either occurrence of crime or avoidance of crime. The likelihood of the former ensuing maintains the perpetual cycle of crime, contributing to its still current existence. Individuals elect to compel themselves to undertake criminal activities and once caught are deemed ‘criminals’. These ‘criminals’Show MoreRelatedInsight Into Criminal Behavior Essay1735 Words   |  7 Pagesa better understanding of crime. Influential factors that influence criminal behaviors are psychological , sociological, and biological. How do we help rehabilitate criminals? Each approach agrees on a criminal’s devotion to aggressive behavior, but they differ in their conclusions. Psychological involves personality, addressing certain felt needs, and defective mental processes. Sociological deals with cause and control of criminality. The social structures, cultural values, peer groups, and familyRead MoreTheories on Crime1253 Words   |  5 PagesTheories on Crime: The field of criminology is basically described as the study of crime through which the causes, prevention, and correction of offenses are examined. While this process can be extremely difficult, especially for students, the analysis of the causes of crime is significant to sociology and criminology. The difficulties associated with the study of crime originate from the numerous challenges in developing theories that explain human behavior. 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Cesare Beccaria, author of On Crimes and Punishments (1763–64)Read MoreJohn Gotti Received More Publicity Any Crime Figure, Discuss the Theories Developed by Merton and Sutherland and Compare and Contrast Regarding Which Would Describe Gottis Criminal Development4321 Words   |  18 PagesDifferential Association Theory Differential association theory was Sutherland s major sociological contribution to criminology; similar in importance to strain theory and social control theory. These theories all explain deviance in terms of the individual s social relationships. Sutherland s theory departs from the pathological perspective and biological perspective by attributing the cause of crime to the social context of individuals. He rejected biological determinism and the extremeRead MoreDeterrence Theory Of The Criminal Justice System2120 Words   |  9 PagesUnit 2 DB1 Deterrence Theory Deterrence theory has many ideas as to what constitute deterrence. Some researchers think that it is the main purposes of our criminal justice system. They do agree that it is the main goal when it comes down to discouraging society from committing criminal deeds. Because, of fear of punishment for committing a crime. Some researcher would have you believe that the most powerful deterrent we have is our criminal justice system, because they are the ones that will makeRead MoreCore Issues in Crime and Punishment3260 Words   |  14 Pageson face value. With this in mind I intend to apply criminological theories to Boyles autobiography with an aim to distinguish which criminological theory most effectively seeks to explain his criminality. Moreover, in doing this I expect to illuminate the criticisms involved within these theories. Crime can be defined as ‘an act or deed, which is against the law (Chambers 1998:145). Over the past few centuries there have been numerous theories try to explain why crime is committed and the answersRead MoreCriminological Theories Help Professionals Better Understand Why Individuals Commit Crimes1375 Words   |  6 PagesCriminological theories help professionals better understand why individuals commit crimes. The hope is that by gaining a better understanding of why people commit crimes, we can help prevent them better in the future. Currently, there are several different theories that individuals have claimed to be the reason for criminal behavior. Some of those theories include classical, neoclassical, biological, sociological, psychological, social, choice or strain. Each theory, while sometimes intertwined