Causes of crime

A summary of types of theory

Biological theories

• Cesare Lombroso was the first of these thinkers.

• They suggest that the physical make up of criminals is different from that of ‘normal’ people.

• This then pre-disposes them to crime.

Social Psychology

• H J Eysenck was one of the best known.

• They suggest that criminals are different in their mental structure in some way.

• They commit crime because they are somehow damaged.

Structural theories of crime

• These suggest that the workings of society are at fault.

• People are criminal for reasons which are logical to them.

• Laws and social structures create criminals.

• Marxism sees this as a problem, but Durkheim sees crime as good for society.

Labelling theories

• These suggest that the reactions of people to those who are labelled as criminal is the problem.

• It creates a hardening of the behaviour and does not allow people an escape route.

• They define themselves as having a criminal identity.

Sub-cultural theories of crime

• Criminal behaviours arise through adjustments that individuals and groups make to the working of society.

• They form criminal groups with separate values and norms from those of mainstream society in order to attain the goals that they desire.

Activity and discussion

• One early sociology text, Jack Nobbs’ Modern Society suggested some of the following as causes of delinquency and delinquent behaviour.

• Where do these following suggestions fit into the previous categories described?

Over-identification with media figures who are

criminal

Sense of injustice at an unequal society

Being misunderstood at school

Weak parental discipline

Loneliness

Neglected upbringing

Mental and physical inadequacy

Spoiling of children

Emotional disturbance

Low self esteem

Living in a bad area

Bad family examples

Single parenthood

Illegitimacy

Poverty

Lack of affection

Working mothers

Instinct of aggression