Verified Document

Criminal Behavior Prevailing Psychological Theories Term Paper

Sociological theories of criminal behavior do not discount individual-level learning but focus more on the surrounding culture and environment. To explain criminal behavior, sociologists usually center on conflict theories, strain theories, labeling theories, and social control theories. Conflict theories have their roots in Marxist philosophy. They reveal how class conflict can create impetus for deviance and also lead to general anomie. Strain theory similarly suggests that criminal behavior can result from a gap between socially sanctioned goals and an individual's ability to achieve those goals in normative ways. These theories generally explain the greater prevalence of crime among socially disadvantaged groups. Social disorganization theory also takes into account the tendency for criminal behavior to arise in communities that lack structure and cohesion due to anomie. Social control theorists postulate that an individual's acceptance of and commitment to prevailing social institutions will diminish criminal behavior; the desire to conform overrides any desire to deviate. Finally, labeling theories show how individuals react to the "criminal" or "deviant"...

An ideal program would be rooted in social strain and conflict theories to allow persons from underprivileged backgrounds to channel strain and frustration into constructive channels. Similarly, a rehabilitation program should eliminate the devastating effects of labeling by providing positive outlets for personal, social, and vocational development. Psychological counseling and support will also help inmates address their needs for social acceptance, helping individuals form more constructive relationships. Ultimately, rehabilitation depends on adequate social organization and social control mechanisms: institutions and community infrastructures that prevent anomie and lawlessness.
References

DeMelo, D. (2006). "Criminology Theory." Retrieved Mar 22, 2007 at http://home.comcast.net/~ddemelo/crime/crimetheory.html

DeMelo, D. (2006) "Sutherland's Differential Association." Retrieved Mar 2, 2007 at http://home.comcast.net/~ddemelo/crime/differ.html

Sources used in this document:
References

DeMelo, D. (2006). "Criminology Theory." Retrieved Mar 22, 2007 at http://home.comcast.net/~ddemelo/crime/crimetheory.html

DeMelo, D. (2006) "Sutherland's Differential Association." Retrieved Mar 2, 2007 at http://home.comcast.net/~ddemelo/crime/differ.html
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Crime Theories Psychological Theories of Criminal Behavior
Words: 1548 Length: 5 Document Type: Essay

Crime Theories Psychological theories of criminal behavior focus on the individual, rather than on contextual factors (as sociological theories of crime do) or on biological factors (such as genetics). Personality, traits, and cognitions are all covered under the rubric of psychological theories of crime. One of the prevailing and most widely accepted psychological theory of crime is rational choice theory. Rational choice theory " is perhaps the most common reason why

Understanding the Social Psychology and Criminal Behavior
Words: 958 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

Sociobiology Theory and Criminology Criminology field has varying psychological and biological theories that explain the criminality and factors that predispose individuals to engaging in criminal behaviors. Biological theories consider criminal behavior as a product of biological abnormality or defect. The criminal cannot change their behaviors because of the variation of their biological traits, thereby, forcing them to act in a specific manner. However, biological theory is considered odd with the presence

Criminal Law and Psychopathy
Words: 6937 Length: 23 Document Type: Research Paper

Criminal Law and Psychopathy I. Introduction Various studies have in the past indicated that there is a high correlation between violence/criminal behavior and psychopathy. This would largely be expected given that psychological studies into the character and disposition of psychopaths has demonstrated that the need for control (or power) as well as egocentrism, which also happen to be the dominant character traits of psychopaths, are predictors for deviant or antisocial behavior. The

Criminal Justice Bias
Words: 2131 Length: 6 Document Type: Essay

The killing of the two black American young men Amadou Diallo and Louima were separated by about two years but Amadou's killing happened just before the trial of Louima's case. Amadou's killing drew a lot of public interest that was focused on the conduct of the New York Police. It was the only such heated debate since the Knapp commission of the 70s which disclosed corruption in the police department.

Crime and Deviance Crimes and Increasing Criminal
Words: 3462 Length: 10 Document Type: Essay

Crime and Deviance Crimes and increasing criminal activities have become a major concern for the security enforcement agencies. They seek help from technology as well as social and psychological theories to prevent crimes and deal with them. The first priority of security agencies is to prevent crimes and the second priority is to control them by punishing the criminals so that they become an example for the society. This paper

Compare and Contrast Biological Psychological and Sociological Determinism...
Words: 538 Length: 2 Document Type: Term Paper

Determinism and Sociology For as long people have been aware of their own consciousness we have struggled to comprehend the mysterious factors which determine human behavior. Varying schools of thought have been originated within the realms of sociology and psychology, with each adhering to its own interpretation of why the human system naturally organizes itself in the manner it does. Each of these behavioral theories inevitably derives its inspiration from the

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now