Theories of crime - ADV MODS Flashcards
LOA- Sociological theories are most effective in explaining criminal behaviour today.
Paragraph 1: Focus on sociological
Point
There are various approaches but sociological theories are by far the most beneficial, especially the “Strain theory”
Paragraph 1: Focus on sociological
Explain
In a capitalist society, Merton stresses that society creates goals for individuals. In order for them to experience success, they must be financially secure/wealthy
However he also stresses individuals are expected to only achieve these goals through acceptable means
As a result, those in society who don’t feel they have access to these acceptable means face strain. Therefore turn to crime to experience financial success
Paragraph 1: Focus on sociological
Example
Strain theory illustrated through crime statistics from London - there are higher rates of crime in economically deprived areas, eg.
In 2022, 52% of crimes were recorded in the most deprived neighbourhood.
Weapon and drug crimes were 2.3 times more likely to occur in the 10% most deprived areas compared to the least deprived 10%
Paragraph 1: Focus on sociological
International comparison
Link between low income and crime is also present in the USA. eg.
The average US prisoner within the prison population had on average a 41% lower income than the average member of US society prior to being convicted and sentenced to time in prison.
Paragraph 1: Focus on sociological
Analysis
Both show that those who are limited in terms of financial success may be committing crimes to achieve this goal.
Paragraph 1: Focus on sociological
Evaluation
White collar crime is committed by middle class.
They arguably have the means of achieving society’s goals and so this doesn’t explain why they turn to crime.
Paragraph 1: Focus on sociological
Line of argument
While there are flaws
the fact that majority of crimes are committed by working class and poorer individuals makes the strain theory v very useful and successful.
Paragraph 2: Focus on Physiological
Point
Sociological theories are the most convincing but still some claim that there is a biological element to crime.
Paragraph 2: Focus on Physiological
Explain
Lombroso’s now defunct theory about criminals being lesser evolved individuals has overtime developed and there is now greater emphasis on chemical imbalances, resulting in criminal behaviour
In particular, there is some evidence to suggest that testosterone plays a key part in impacting a persons ability to make rational decisions and too much of this chemical could result in impulsive, violent behaviour
this could explain why more males commit crimes.
Paragraph 2: Focus on Physiological
Example
This link between sex and crime is clear as:
In 2018/19 the number of males arrested in the UK was over 5 times more than the number of females arrested.
Paragraph 2: Focus on Physiological
International comparison
This is mirrored in the US:
With 73% of arrests being males.
This shows, to some extent, that crime can be explained by the biology of an individual
Paragraph 2: Focus on Physiological
Analysis
Both show that sex does play a role in crime and that THERE IS POTENTIAL that testosterone Imbalance may contribute to this.
Paragraph 2: Focus on Physiological
Evaluation
However, there is no evidence to show that these men who commit crime have this imbalance
Arguably Becker’s labelling theory is a much better theory to explain these statistics. As men have become labelled as more likely to commit crime and therefore, it is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Paragraph 2: Focus on Physiological
Line of argument
While there is some evidence to suggest there is a biological link to crime, sociological explanations remain far stronger.
Paragraph 3: focus of Psychological
Point
Sociological theories are the most convincing, however some claim there is a psychological element to crime.
Paragraph 3: focus of Psychological
Explain
Freud discussed the importance of the human personality in resulting in crime, and the fact that the id, ego and superego can influence this.
However, a more relevant theory could be used such as the Bandura’s learning theory. Shown in his Bobo Doll experiment.
This showed that children learn and imitate adults/role models. Therefore, children brought up in criminal households are more likely to turn to crime.
Paragraph 3: focus of Psychological
Example
There is a lot of research that shows there is a link between families and crime
The Cambridge study found that 5% of families accounted for 50% of crimes committed.
And furthermore those with criminal parents were far more likely to be convicted later on in life.
Paragraph 3: focus of Psychological
International comparison
Studies from the Netherlands suggest that young men with a criminal father are more likely to turn to crime at a young age (Huschek and Bijleveld, 2013).
Paragraph 3: focus of Psychological
Analysis
Clearly, this shows that there is a link between family criminal tendencies and children who turn to crime.
Suggests children do imitate role models and explains some crime, as a result.
Paragraph 3: focus of Psychological
Evaluation
However, arguably it could be the experience of families within society that explain crime in families
They may face strain or be labelled.
Paragraph 3: focus of Psychological
Line of argument
While there is some evidence to suggest there is a psychological link to crime, sociological explanations still remain far stronger.
Paragraph 4: Focus on Sociological
Point
Sociological theories are the most convincing but there are different theories in this category that explain this.
Paragraph 4: Focus on Sociological
Explain
Hirschi argues that there are bonds that exist between an individual and society.
how attached to society people feel is also linked to their likelihood of turning to crime.
If a person agrees to the rules and has a lot to lose they will be less likely to commit crime, but those who have less to lose will turn to crime.
Paragraph 4: Focus on Sociological
Example
It is abundantly clear in areas with a high NEET (number of children/adults in education, employment or training) population have high crime rates swell.
Evidenced to show this is in Glasgow, which has a NEET level of over 20% and 44,000 recorded crimes in 2016/17. Compared to Aberdeen, who have a NEET level of less than 10% and experienced less than 16,000 crimes.
