Exploring Theories of Crime Causation: A Comprehensive Analysis

A Research

Presented to

The College of Criminal Justice Education

Saint Joseph College of Sindangan Inc.

In Partial Fulfilment

Of the Requirements for the course

Crim 200

By:

GLINDAH AVRIL SARITA (1E)

April 12, 2024

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

1. SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

Social Learning Theory, proposed by psychologist Albert Bandura in 1977, offers a

comprehensive framework for understanding how individuals develop criminal behavior
through observational learning and social interactions. At the core of this theory is the idea that
behavior is learned through observing others and modeling their actions, attitudes, and
outcomes. Social Learning Theory emphasizes the role of environmental influences,
reinforcement, and cognitive processes in shaping human behavior.

Bandura posited that individuals acquire new behaviors by observing others, such as family members,
peers, and media figures, and then imitating or modeling those behaviors. This process of observational
learning is particularly influential during early developmental stages, as children are highly responsive to
the behaviors of role models in their environment. Through these observational experiences, individuals
can internalize and reproduce behaviors, including criminal actions, that they witness others engaging
in.

Additionally, Social Learning Theory emphasizes the importance of reinforcement and punishment in
shaping behavior. According to Bandura, individuals are more likely to replicate behaviors that are
rewarded or positively reinforced, while behaviors that are punished or negatively reinforced are less
likely to be repeated. This concept underscores the role of consequences in the learning process and
how they influence the likelihood of certain behaviors being repeated.

Moreover, cognitive processes play a significant role in Social Learning Theory. Bandura highlighted the
role of attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation in the learning and imitation of behaviors.
Individuals must pay attention to the model's behavior, retain that information in memory, be capable
of reproducing the behavior themselves, and have the motivation to engage in that behavior. These
cognitive processes interact with environmental influences to shape an individual's likelihood of
adopting certain behaviors.

In the context of criminal behavior, Social Learning Theory suggests that individuals learn and internalize
criminal acts through exposure to deviant models, such as criminal peers, media glorification of criminal
behavior, or dysfunctional family dynamics. The theory posits that repeated exposure to these
influences, coupled with reinforcement of criminal behavior or a lack of consequences, can increase the
likelihood of an individual engaging in criminal acts themselves.

Overall, Social Learning Theory provides a valuable framework for understanding how individuals
acquire and exhibit criminal behavior through observational learning, reinforcement, and cognitive
processes. By recognizing the role of social influences and cognitive factors in shaping behavior,
interventions can be designed to prevent or mitigate the development of criminal tendencies and
promote prosocial behaviors instead.

2. STRAIN THEORY

Strain theory, developed by sociologist Robert Merton in the 1930s, is a fundamental theory in the field
of criminology. It posits that society puts pressure on individuals to achieve a socially accepted goals
(such as the American dream), though they lack the means. This lack of means can lead to strain which
can lead individuals to commit crimes.

According to Merton, society emphasizes the importance of success goals without placing equal
emphasis on the legitimate means to achieve them. This imbalance between goals and means creates a
strain to anomie— a disconnect between cultural expectations and the structured capacity of society's
members to fulfill those expectations.

Merton identified five modes of adaptation to this strain. Conformity, where the individual continues to
adhere to societal goals and means despite the strain; Innovation, where the individual accepts societal
goals but finds new, often illegitimate, means to achieve them; Ritualism, where the societal goals are
rejected but the means are rigidly adhered to; Retreatism, where both the societal goals and means are
rejected, leading to withdrawal; and Rebellion, where societal goals and means are rejected and
replaced with new ones.

In the 1990s, Robert Agnew extended this theory to include other types of strain, not just that caused by
the inability to achieve monetary or material success. Agnew identified three major types of strain:
failure to achieve positively valued goals, the removal of positive stimuli, and the introduction of
negative stimuli.

According to Agnew, these forms of strain can lead to negative emotional responses, which in turn can
lead to the commission of crime if the individual lacks adequate coping mechanisms. Agnew's General
Strain Theory (GST) suggests that strain or stressors increase the likelihood of negative emotions like
anger and frustration. These emotions create pressure for corrective action, and crime is one possible
response.

Strain theory is a comprehensive explanation of crime that includes a variety of factors, such as
individual characteristics, social structures, and situational variables. It suggests that crime is a function
of the conflict between the individual's goals and the means available to achieve them. This theory has
been influential in understanding why people commit crimes and has informed various policy and
intervention strategies to mitigate criminal behavior.

However, while strain theory is a valuable tool in understanding crime, it is not without its critics. Some
argue that it does not account for all types of crime and that not everyone who experiences strain turns
to crime. Despite these criticisms, strain theory remains a pivotal theory in criminology, providing
significant insight into the relationship between societal pressure and crime.

3. BIOLOGICAL THEORY

Biological theories of crime causation propose that individuals commit crimes due to inherited genetic
and other biological factors. These theories are rooted in the belief that criminals have physiological
differences that distinguish them from non-criminals.

One of the early proponents of biological theories was Italian criminologist Cesare Lombroso in the late
19th century. Lombroso, often referred to as the father of modern criminology, proposed that criminals
were "born criminals" and could be identified by physical traits, such as a sloping forehead, larger ears,
or longer arms. He believed that these "atavistic" traits were throwbacks to earlier stages of human
evolution.

Modern biological theories have moved away from Lombroso's focus on physical characteristics and
instead explore links between criminal behavior and genetics, biochemistry, and neurology.

Genetic theories suggest that criminal tendencies may be inherited. Twin studies, for instance, have
shown a higher concordance rate for criminal behavior in identical twins than in fraternal twins.
Adoption studies have also provided evidence that adopted children have more similar criminal patterns
to their biological parents than their adoptive parents.
Biochemical theories examine the relationship between various biological factors, such as diet, hormone
imbalances, or lead exposure, and antisocial or violent behavior. For example, some studies have found
a correlation between high testosterone levels and aggressive behavior.

Neurological theories focus on the brain's structure and function. Research has suggested that damage
to certain areas of the brain or abnormalities in brain chemistry could be linked to criminal behavior. For
instance, studies have shown that criminals often have reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, the part
of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control.

It's important to note that biological theories do not suggest that biology alone determines criminal
behavior. Most modern criminologists agree that both nature (biology, genetics) and nurture
(environment, upbringing) play crucial roles in shaping behavior.

Critics of biological theories argue that they oversimplify the complex interplay of biological,
psychological, and sociological factors that contribute to criminal behavior. They also raise ethical
concerns about the potential for misuse of biological information, such as genetic discrimination or the
justification of harsh punitive measures.

Despite these criticisms, biological theories have contributed significantly to our understanding of crime
causation. They have encouraged interdisciplinary research and have implications for the treatment and
prevention of criminal behavior, such as the use of medication to treat biochemical imbalances.

In conclusion, while biological theories offer valuable insights into the potential causes of criminal
behavior, they are just one piece of the puzzle. A comprehensive understanding of crime causation
requires considering biological factors in conjunction with psychological, sociological, and environmental
factors.

2. Provide a detailed explanation of each theory, including ts historical contert, key proponents,

fundamental principles, and core assumptions.