In contrast, sociological theories of crime, including strain, social control, and labeling theories, focus on societal factors and influences that contribute to criminal behavior. Rational choice theory posits that individuals weigh the risks and rewards of criminal behavior before engaging in it. For example, biological theories suggest that genetic or physiological factors can predispose individuals to criminal behavior, while psychological theories emphasize the role of personality traits and mental disorders in crime causation. Individual theories of crime, such as biological, psychological, and rational choice theories, focus on the offender's characteristics and decision-making processes. This shift away from classical theories brought a new understanding of crime causation, leading to the development of intervention and treatment programs for offenders.Ĭomparison of Individual and Sociological Theories of Crime In contrast, positivist criminology rejects the rational choice perspective and emphasizes the role of biological, psychological, and social factors in shaping criminal behavior. Punishment is viewed as a deterrent to crime, and the focus is on the legal system's role in preventing criminal behavior. According to classical theorists, individuals choose to engage in criminal behavior based on the calculation of potential gains and losses. The primary goals of criminology include understanding the etiology of crime, developing effective strategies for crime prevention, and contributing to the improvement of the criminal justice system.Ĭomparison of Classical Criminology and Positivist CriminologyĬlassical criminology, pioneered by theorists such as Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham, emphasizes the rationality of human behavior and the concept of free will. It plays a crucial role in law enforcement and criminal justice by providing insights into the nature of crime, its causes, and how to prevent it. Get original essay Definition and Explanation of CriminologyĬriminology is the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system.
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