Criminological Theories - Assignment Example

Under this theory, a crime is committed after the person has decided to commit the crime out of the need for money and other material factors that they thought could enhance their lives. This theory is considered to be connected to the Crime Prevention Theory due to the application of "opportunity prevention techniques" in both theories. The so-called "opportunity prevention techniques" are said to be done to increase the endeavor necessary to a crime, to increase the calculated risks of trepidation, to reduce the probable rewards of a crime, and to remove the reasons that comply with existing laws ("Rational Choice Theory", 2006).

Trait theories are derived from a psychological perspective. Perpetrators are said to be different from a "normal" individual because of certain physical and psychological traits. Some of these traits are highly recognizable in individuals that have criminal tendencies and more often than not, crimes are committed because of exposure to society. Therefore, it can be extrapolated that individuals are influenced not only from biological factors but from their own experiences as well. The existence of extroverts and introverts are said to be part of this.

theory (Jung, C G., Baynes, H. G., & Baynes, C. F., 1928). Not only that it states in the theory that these traits can easily identify the persons having them but it also makes it possible to determine their behavior of these individuals in the future. Social structure theories on the other hand state that most people follow the law because they are concerned about their personal commitments and relationships as well as their set of values, norms, and beliefs. The more an individual values these factors, the less likely they are to commit a crime.

This theory at ways in which criminal tendencies can be reduced, proposing that socialization and social learning will strengthen self-control and prevent anti-social behavior in individuals. This particular theory is based on the Functionalist theory, which has four types of control ("Social Control Theory, 2006"). The first type of control is Direct, which is the application of punishment or rewards towards awful and exemplary behavior respectively. Indirect control, on the other hand, is the suppression of crime through one's conscience or superego.

The third one is Internal control that establishes control by associating emotional pain and disappointment of one's loved ones or kin whenever he or she commits an unruly act. Finally, Control through needs satisfaction suppresses negative behavior by satisfying the needs of the individual ("Social Control Theory", 2006). The Social process theory seeks to explain the occurrence and suppression of deviant behavior by looking at multiple variables and their combinations. This theory is most applicable to individuals who are most akin to commit deviant actions (Akers, 1973).

Groups such as gangs, fraternities, and peer groups offer "advantages" and other tempting rewards to encourage individuals to join them (especially young individuals) even if they are known to perform criminally inclined acts. The group could offer psychological advantages such as gaining popularity or material. These advantages are used by the groups as some kind of reinforcement for joining that group.