Final Research Assignment in Theories of Crime Causation (CRIM 200)

Name: Marife Y. Bucol

Block: 1E
Date: April 12, 2024

Title: “Exploring Theories of Crime Causation: A Comprehensive Analysis”

Overview: For your final writing assignment, you will delve into the intricate world of
criminology by exploring various theories of crime causation. You will critically analyze and
compare different perspectives, considering their strengths, weaknesses, and implications for
understanding criminal behavior. Through this assignment, you will demonstrate your grasp of
key concepts in criminology and your ability to apply theoretical frameworks to real-world
scenarios.

Instructions:

1. Select at least three major theories of crime causation to examine in-depth. You may choose
from classical, biological, psychological, sociological, or any other relevant theories.

2. Provide a detailed explanation of each theory, including its historical context, key proponents,
fundamental principles, and core assumptions.

3. Compare and contrast the selected theories, highlighting similarities and differences in their
explanations of criminal behavior.

4. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each theory, considering empirical evidence,
practical applications, and ethical implications.

5. Discuss the relevance of these theories in contemporary society, addressing their implications
for crime prevention, criminal justice policies, and intervention strategies.

6. Support your arguments with relevant research findings, case studies, or examples from
scholarly literature.

7. Conclude with your reflections on the significance of understanding different theories of crime
causation and the challenges of applying them in practice.

1.Biological Theory:
Historical Context:
The biological theory of crime emerged in the late 19th century with the work of Cesare
Lombroso, who believed that criminal behavior was innate and could be identified through
physical characteristics.
Key Proponents:
Besides Lombroso, other proponents include William Sheldon, who linked body types to
criminality, and contemporary researchers like Adrian Raine, who explore the neurological basis
of criminal behavior.
Fundamental Principles:
Biological theories posit that factors such as genetics, brain abnormalities, hormonal
imbalances, and even evolutionary factors contribute to criminal behavior.
Core Assumptions:
These theories assume that certain biological traits predispose individuals to criminal behavior
and that criminal tendencies can be identified through physical or physiological characteristics.

2.Psychological Theory:

Historical Context:
Psychological theories of crime gained prominence in the early to mid-20th century, with
pioneers like Sigmund Freud and his psychoanalytic perspective, which suggested that
unconscious drives and childhood experiences influence criminal behavior.
Key Proponents:
Besides Freud, other key figures include B.F. Skinner, who focused on behaviorism, and Albert
Bandura, who developed social learning theory.
Fundamental Principles:
Psychological theories emphasize the role of individual psychological processes such as
personality, cognition, emotions, and learned behaviors in shaping criminal behavior.
Core Assumptions:
Psychological theories assume that criminal behavior arises from maladaptive psychological
functioning, unresolved conflicts, dysfunctional learning experiences, or a combination of these
factors.
3.Sociological Theory:

Historical Context:
Sociological theories of crime emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the work of
scholars like Emile Durkheim and his theory of anomie, which suggests that crime arises from a
breakdown in social norms and values.
Key Proponents:
Other key figures include Robert Merton, who developed strain theory, and Edwin Sutherland,
who proposed differential association theory.
Fundamental Principles:
Sociological theories focus on the social structures, institutions, and processes that influence
criminal behavior, such as poverty, inequality, family dynamics, peer influence, and cultural
norms.
Core Assumptions:
Sociological theories assume that crime is a product of social forces and environmental
conditions rather than individual characteristics alone. They highlight the importance of
socialization, social control, and societal responses to deviant behavior.

Compare and contrast these theories:

Similarities:
•All three theories acknowledge that multiple factors contribute to criminal behavior, including
biological, psychological, and social influences.
•They recognize the complexity of human behavior and the interplay between individual traits
and environmental factors.
•Each theory has implications for understanding and addressing crime at both the individual and
societal levels.

Differences:
•Biological theory focuses on innate biological factors as the primary drivers of criminal
behavior, while psychological theory emphasizes individual psychological processes and
experiences. Sociological theory, on the other hand, examines the role of social structures and
institutions in shaping criminal behavior.
•Biological and psychological theories tend to focus on individual-level explanations, whereas
sociological theories consider broader social contexts and systemic factors.
•Biological and psychological theories often prioritize treatment and intervention at the
individual level, while sociological theories advocate for addressing societal-level factors to
prevent crime.

Evaluation of strengths and weaknesses:

Biological Theory:
Strengths:
Offers insights into the genetic and neurological underpinnings of behavior, which can inform
prevention and treatment strategies.
Weaknesses:
Can be deterministic and overlook the role of social and environmental factors. Ethical concerns
arise regarding labeling individuals based on biological characteristics.

Psychological Theory:
Strengths:
Provides a comprehensive understanding of individual psychological processes and how they
contribute to criminal behavior.
Weaknesses:
Relies heavily on subjective interpretations and lacks empirical support for some concepts.
Treatment approaches may be resource-intensive and not universally effective.

Sociological Theory:
Strengths:
Highlights the importance of social structures and environmental factors in shaping behavior,
offering insights into systemic solutions for crime prevention.
Weaknesses:
May oversimplify complex social phenomena and overlook individual agency. Implementation
of societal-level interventions can be challenging and require long-term commitment.
In contemporary society:
These theories remain relevant for informing crime prevention strategies, criminal justice
policies, and intervention programs.
•Biological insights can inform early intervention and treatment approaches for individuals at
risk of criminal behavior.
•Psychological interventions can address underlying psychological issues and promote
rehabilitation among offenders.
•Sociological approaches emphasize the importance of addressing systemic inequalities and
promoting social cohesion to reduce crime rates.

In conclusion:
Understanding different theories of crime causation is crucial for developing comprehensive and
effective strategies to address criminal behavior. However, applying these theories in practice
poses challenges due to the complexity of human behavior and the interplay of multiple factors.
Nonetheless, by integrating insights from biological, psychological, and sociological
perspectives, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers can work towards creating safer and
more just societies.

Submitted To:
Mr. Diel Anthony Sagang