Crime in Perspective-105 - Essay Example

Crime in Perspective Crime in Perspective There have been diverse studies made on the root causes of people’s tendencies for criminal behavior. One’s personal interest in the subject have led to the research which indicated that “at the turn of the century, an Italian criminologist, Cesare Lombroso, theorized that men could be “born criminal”, with recognizable “degenerate” traits such as sloping foreheads and flat feet. That theory has song since fallen into disfavor” (Reader's Digest, 1990, p. 48). Travis Hirschi, a known American Criminologist, developed other theories of crime such as the social control and social bond theory (The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, N.D.) which centers on the loss of social control that causes criminal behavior.

One’s personal contention is that crime is the result of environmental conditions, such as poverty, urban pressures and a poor home life, which is consistent with social theories where society fails to control and monitor activities that could prevent criminal behavior. Crime is the result of failure to establish strong bonds with society: family, community, and productive peers. The strong attachment and appropriate support from parents and siblings could provide the initial and crucial bond to prevent tendencies for criminal behavior.

Likewise, the involvement in rewarding activities, including pursuing continuing education and the recognition to contribute to society through employment would enable one to refrain from delinquent behavior. The circle of friends with positive backgrounds would provide one with a holistic and well balanced disposition in life. When society fails to provide an appropriate environment that would support and sustain humane living conditions and has inefficiently implemented rules and legislations that would monitor and prevent deviant behavior, then, an environment of crime is initiated.

References Reader's Digest. (1990). ABC's of the Human Mind. New York: Reader's Digest Association, Inc. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. (N.D.). Travis Hirschi. Retrieved July 5, 2011, from http://www.cfkeep.org/html/snapshot.php?id=1065903344253