Criminology: Individualistic Theory

Individualistic Theory

Definition

• Focuses on the individual offender and their personal characteristics as the primary cause of crime
• Emphasizes the role of free will and personal choice in criminal behavior

Key Concepts

• Biological Positivism: Cesare Lombroso's theory that criminals are born with physical characteristics that predispose them to criminality
  • Examples: facial features, body type, and cranial measurements
• Psychological Positivism: Focuses on the role of mental and personality traits in criminal behavior
  • Examples: personality disorders, intelligence, and cognitive deficiencies
• Rational Choice Theory: Offenders make rational decisions to commit crimes based on their own self-interest
  • Examples: weighing costs and benefits, considering consequences

Theorists

• Cesare Lombroso: Italian physician and criminologist who developed biological positivism
• Hans Eysenck: Psychologist who developed the theory of psychological positivism
• Gary Becker: Economist who developed the rational choice theory

Criticisms

• Oversimplification: Fails to consider the complexity of crime and the impact of social and environmental factors
• Lack of Empirical Support: Limited evidence to support the idea that individual characteristics are the primary cause of crime
• Blames the Victim: Implies that individuals are solely responsible for their own criminal behavior, ignoring the role of societal factors

Policy Implications

• Treatment and Rehabilitation: Focus on individual treatment and rehabilitation programs to address underlying psychological and biological issues
• Deterrence: Implement harsh punishments to deter individuals from committing crimes based on rational choice theory
• Individual Accountability: Hold individuals accountable for their criminal behavior, rather than addressing broader social and environmental factors