Discuss any 2 of the main theories from the Classical/Neoclassical School of Criminology - Research Paper Example

es, it is possible to explain crime in a wider society or at an individual level implying that criminology theories are all-round theories (Akers, 1996). This essay will therefore discuss major criminology theories. The essay will examine the major assumptions of the theories and their policy implications. Finally, the essay gives an evaluation of the theories in relation to the wider society. Criminology is a social science whose theories are developed based on human behavior. Unlike natural science theories social science theories change constantly due to the evolution of human behavior.

This implies that criminology theories change simultaneously with human behavior. In order to avoid ambiguity due to the evolution of human behavior criminologists have developed several theories. Classical criminology is based on classical criminology theories. Classical criminology assumes that crime is a venture and therefore criminal will weigh the benefits and possible risks involved in a certain criminal activity before undertaking it. The school of thought is also based on the assumption that crime is a rational decision that can only be discouraged through deterrence.

The rational choice theory is a major theory in classical criminology. Although the development of classical criminology is based on this theory, the theory was in existence in the early eighteenth century. The theory was developed by Beccaria a philosopher and an economist. This theory also demonstrates the link between economics and criminology. The rational choice theory has the difference between gains and inputs into a criminal activity as a major tenet. According to the theory, criminals are ordinary people who have decided to engage in criminal activities.

The theory also posits that the level of attractiveness in crime attract or repel active criminals. This theory contradicts earlier assumption by some philosophers that the world has criminals and victims as the two major groups of people.