Criminology Theories Overview

Sykes and Matza's theory expands on Differential Association by explaining how specific beliefs justify criminal behavior, essentially outlining reasons why individuals deviate from societal norms.

This theory argues that individuals who have strong social bonds with others are less likely to engage in criminal behavior because they have a greater stake in conforming to societal norms.

This theory emphasizes low self-control as the central cause of criminal behavior, suggesting individuals with low self-control act impulsively and seek immediate gratification without considering consequences.

This theory emphasizes how the law is used to reaffirm traditional subordinate female roles and control women's sexuality. It also highlights the victimization of women by men.

This theory argues that masculinity is a social construct linked to crime, particularly in male behavior. It suggests that men are socialized to meet certain gender expectations, and crime can be a means to prove masculinity, especially when facing challenges to their status.

This theory suggests that people are rational and make calculated decisions to commit crimes, weighing the potential benefits of a criminal act against the potential costs.

This theory focuses on stopping an individual from re-offending by punishing them. For example, someone getting a speeding ticket might avoid speeding again to avoid another fine.

This theory focuses on preventing others in society from committing crimes by showing the consequences of breaking the law. For example, harsh penalties for theft might discourage others from stealing.

This theory emphasizes the environmental conditions that provide opportunities for crime, such as physical and social factors.

This theory emphasizes that crime occurs when three elements are present: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian.

This theory explores how a person's involvement in crime develops at different stages of life, focusing on two main categories: life-course persistent offenders (LCPs) and adolescent-limited offenders (ALs).

This theory suggests that criminal behavior changes based on life events and trajectories, emphasizing the role of turning points (like marriage) in shaping an individual's criminal path.

This theory focuses on the impact of social bonds, particularly attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief, on preventing individuals from engaging in criminal behavior.

This theory suggests that criminal behavior is rooted in a lack of self-control, a trait developed early in life and characterized by impulsivity, risk-taking, and a lack of consideration for consequences.

This theory emphasizes the role of gender inequality, particularly patriarchal structures, in shaping women's experiences with crime, both as perpetrators and victims.

This theory suggests that masculinity is a social construct, and engaging in criminal behavior can be a means for men to prove or perform masculinity, especially when facing challenges to their status.

This theory proposes that individuals make rational choices to commit crimes by weighing the potential benefits against the associated costs, with their decision-making influenced by factors such as information, opportunities, and risk tolerance.

This theory suggests that crime is a result of environmental conditions, particularly how physical and urban environments impact individual behavior and create opportunities for crime.

This theory argues that crime happens when three elements converge: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian. It emphasizes how everyday routines and environmental factors impact criminal opportunities.

Edwin Sutherland's definition of white-collar crime involves crimes committed by individuals of high social status and respectability in the course of their occupations. This emphasizes the contrast between the expected behavior of these individuals and their criminal activities.

This theory emphasizes the role of differential association, suggesting that individuals learn criminal behavior through interactions with others who hold criminal values and attitudes.

This theory focuses on how the social and economic structure of society creates strain on individuals, particularly those with limited opportunities, leading them to engage in criminal behavior as a means of achieving success.

This theory suggests that individuals are more likely to commit crimes when they are not strongly bonded to conventional society through elements such as attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief.

This theory criticizes traditional criminological theories that focus on individual behavior, highlighting the role of power, inequality, and social structures in shaping crime. It emphasizes the need for social change to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty and discrimination.

This theory emphasizes that people learn through interactions with others, both criminal and non-criminal. It argues that individuals are more likely to engage in criminal behavior if they associate more with individuals who support criminal values than with individuals who hold conventional values.

This theory suggests that individuals' criminal behavior can be explained by their social relationships. It states that people with strong social bonds, such as family, friends, and community connections, are less likely to engage in criminal activities.

This theory proposes that criminal behavior arises from individuals' lack of self-control. It suggests that individuals with low self-control are impulsive, risk-seeking, and lack consideration for long-term consequences.

This theory emphasizes the role of patriarchy, a system that favors male dominance, in shaping women's experiences with crime, leading to their victimization and disproportionate involvement in certain types of offenses.

This theory focuses on men's experiences with crime and explores how they perform masculinity through criminal activities, highlighting the influence of societal pressures and gender expectations on their choices.

This theory argues that individuals make calculated decisions about committing crimes, considering the potential benefits against the associated risks. It emphasizes the role of rational decision-making in criminal behavior.

This theory explains crime by highlighting the role of environmental factors, such as the physical and social environment, in shaping individuals' behavior and creating opportunities for crime.

This theory suggests that crime occurs when three elements converge - a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian. It emphasizes how everyday routines and environmental factors create opportunities for crime.

This theory defines white-collar crime as crimes committed by individuals of high social status and respectability during their professional activities. It emphasizes the contrast between these individuals' expected behavior and their criminal acts.

This theory critiques traditional criminological theories, highlighting the role of social structures and power imbalances in shaping crime. It emphasizes the importance of addressing social inequality and promoting a more equitable society to reduce crime.