Theories of criminal behavior

Criminal Behavior Theories

Theory of Criminal Man: Renowned Italian criminologist Cesare Lombroso created theories that have not always been understood, according to professor Mary Gibson (University of New York). Basically Lombrosos' theory altered the role of the criminologist when he theorized that some humans are born criminals, and an individual that would be a potential career criminal would have "a small skull, low forehead, protruding jaw, and jutting ears" (Gibson, 2006, p 29). The fact that crime may well be "rooted… in biological factors" has not been entirely dismissed by modern criminologists, Gibson explains, and this is a theory Lombrosos authored that has changed society's approach to understanding human behavior.

Control Theory: This theory posits that people with weak social bonds are most likely to commit crimes. In Hirschi's Causes of Delinquency the criminologist asserted that members of society experience four elements: attachment, belief, involvement and commitment. If these aspects of life remain strong, criminal behavior is unlikely; but if one aspect of the four is weakened, the "likelihood of criminal behavior" is increased and the role of that individual will change (Payne, 2005). The role of the society then changes in response to the criminal behavior.

Anomie and Strain Theories: "Anomie" defines a "state where norms (expectations on behaviors) are confused, unclear, or not present" (FSU). This unclear approach to life can lead to deviant behavior in the individual. A Strain theory reflects an imbalance between a person's goals and expectations for how those goals will turn out (Burfeind, et al., 2010). Society must provide ample opportunities to see to it that goals can be met by as many people as possible, so that imbalance does not lead to criminal behavior, which will cause society to respond in kind.

Conflict Theory: This theory defines deviant behavior as the "ordinary, learned, and normal behavior of individuals caught up in cultural and group conflict" (Akers, 1999). Crime is an expression of the conflict that results when the values of a person in a deviant group conflict with the values of the group that has law on its side. Society has changed over the years in order to give more individuals opportunities for a better life (welfare, job training, affirmative action).

Labeling Theory: By labeling an offender a "criminal" that person can deepen the criminal behavior; Dr. O'Connor says when a person is labeled for any special trait (as criminal for example) that encourages him to evoke those traits. Leaders in society understand the need to resist putting unfair labels on people; this has been a positive trend over the recent past.

Feminist Theory: Feminist theories suggest, "…criminal justice decisions reflect male dominance and functioning to support patriarchy"; in short, the system is bias against women (Akers, 1999). This has changed society because women's liberation, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, have made it illegal to discriminate based on race, gender, religious affiliation or age.