An Integrated Theory of Crime and Criminal Behaviour - Report Example

Non-Criminal Behaviour Introduction Psychiatry is identified as an important element in relation to social Psychiatry is also seemed to be related with justice along with law from decades. Psychiatry plays a significant role in relation to different concepts that include mental health as well as mental illness, as individuals with these concepts are denied rights as well as freedom whether violated any law or not. Instead, mental illness is determined as behaviour as well as personality developed on the basis of social construct. In this respect, it can be recognised that there is a linkage between psychiatry and law. Law is based on the concept of ‘norm of conduct’ and on the other hand, psychiatry is revealed on ‘methods of social control’. Psychiatry implies that social institution plays an effective role in the formation of behaviour by individuals. In this respect, social institution is identified as important factor accountable for the development of stabilised forms based on which group behaviour builds. Group behaviour develops in consideration to different functional prerequisites surrounding the society. Institutional behaviour is dependent on various factors that include rules as well as goals of institutions. Subsequently, individuals’ behaviour in different societies is regarded as either criminal non-criminal behaviour. In this regard, deviant behaviour can be recognised as both criminal as well as non-criminal behaviour (Szasz, 1963). Deviance is a behaviour violating legal norms as well as conduct, which are stigmatised through societal members. In this context, it is identified as behaviour that is norm-violating in terms of criminology. In the field of criminology, the criminal offences are determined on the basis of different aspects that include social institution and culture among others in accordance with which criminal and non-criminal behaviour is recognised (Bryant, 2011). In this regard, the essay emphases the aspects of deviant behaviour and discusses its relationship with non-criminal behaviour. Additionally, different theories are compared as well as contrasted in order to have a better understanding of non-criminal behaviour. Deviant Behaviour The concept of deviance is identified to be a broad term as deviant behaviour is associated with human activities. Deviant behaviour is associated with violation in relation to cultural norms. Deviant behaviour is a form of behaviour, which is rule-breaking or criminal offence. Deviance is associated with rule-breaking aspects which include theft, murder, wearing inappropriate clothing, cheating others and violation of social rules. In this regard, criminal behaviour is recognised as deviance. However, there is a difference between deviance as well as crime, as crime is defined to be a deviant behaviour and on the other hand, every deviance cannot be a criminal offence. Contextually, behaviour is determined to be as the ultimate factor based on which deviance is recognised. Behaviour of individuals is based on social construction or institution. It has been identified that different societies is based on certain cultural or social norms in accordance with which members are required to build their values and personality (Sociology, 2010). In the field of sociology, behaviour of individuals is constructed socially, which is referred to ideological concept. In this respect, ideology is identified as an important factor in relation to deviance sociology owing to the fact that it assists in having a better understanding about criminal and non-criminal behaviour. Deviant behaviour is segregated in different forms that include situational deviance and societal deviance. Societal deviance depicts the different behavioural categories, which are recognised either as illegal or commonly sensed. To cite an example of societal deviance, swearing in the name of a teacher possesses both positive as well as negative aspect. On the other hand, situational deviance is determined as the concept based on which behavioural norms that are developed by a sub-culture group of individuals might not be accepted suitable for other societal groups. To cite an example of situational deviance, killing someone in a society with a certain motive can be determined as criminal behaviour and on the other hand, killing others unintentionally can be recognised as a non-criminal behaviour (Sociology, 2010). Deviance is also segregated into two types which include culpable as well as non-culpable. Culpable and non-culpable behaviour is distinguished on the basis of commitment of criminal acts intentionally or unintentionally. Culpable deviance is referred to commitment of acts that are identified as crime which include murder and theft among others. For an example, commitment of murder and theft are identified as culpable behaviour. In contrast, non-culpable deviance is commitment of crime in a non-intentional manner owing to different factors that include mental illness and adolescent age. In this regard, it can be comprehended that the behaviour of individuals is an important factor based on which criminal behaviour is ascertained. Additionally, deviant behaviour plays an important role in signifying whether certain acts are committed on the ground of criminal behaviour or non-criminal behaviour. In this context, it can be determined that non-criminal behaviour is based on the concept of non-culpable behaviour, which signifies that acts are performed in an unintentional manner (Sociology, 2010). In this respect, it can be further asserted that deviant behaviour comprises both criminal as well as non-criminal behaviour. The most important aspect in relation to deviant behaviour is to understand the behaviour accountable for criminal offence performed in an unintentional manner. Non-Criminal Behaviour In the field of sociology, non-criminal behaviour is identified as commencement of criminal acts without any intention. Non-criminal behaviour is mainly identified on the basis of personality as well as behaviour of an individual. There are different categories of people falling under non-criminal behaviour that include adolescent, mentally ill individuals and people not confirming to the social values as a whole. In this regard, it has been identified that children who are below the age of 10 are not liable to be held as accountable for the commitment of criminal acts owing to the fact that they are incapable of making appropriate decisions and lack of adequate knowledge. In a similar manner, mentally ill people are also recognised to possess non-criminal behaviour. Mentally ill people lack knowledge as well as understanding about norms along with values that are adopted in a society. Contextually, mentally ill people are unable to develop their behaviours and personality in accordance with social institution. Respectively, mentally ill people are not held liable for the commitment of any criminal acts. There are also individuals considered to possess non-criminal behaviour for not confirming to social values as well as norms. There also exists differences in the social norms across the different societies based on which the behaviour of an individual can be categorised as deviant or non- deviant. Respectively, individuals revealing particular behaviour in one society may be considered as the deviant behaviour while the same in the other societies may recognised as non- deviant. In this regard, non-criminal behaviour is mainly identified on the basis of inappropriate thinking as well as understanding of social institution. In this context, individuals depicting inappropriate behaviours are considered to possess non-criminal behaviour (Sociology, 2010; Szasz, 1963). In order to obtain adequate information about non-criminal behaviour, researches are made in different incident reports. Incident reports offer appropriate understanding about the notions based on which criminal offences are performed and on the ground based on which such notions are considered as non-criminal behaviour. Non-Criminal Behaviour Theories Criminology is an important subject based on which behaviours and personal trait of individuals are studied with the aim of having adequate information about the factors accountable for commitment of crime or considered as deviants. Criminology assists in having relevant information about linkage of crimes and causes. Additionally, conditions as well as traits of individuals are studied effectively through criminology (Sharma, 1998). Non-criminal behaviour is based on different theories in accordance with which behaviours of individuals are determined. The non-criminal theories are discussed hereunder. Social Learning Theory Social learning theory is formulated with the intention of having an immense understanding about facts that are related with human behaviour. The theory is developed on the study of Robert Sears and Albert Bandura. The theory is based on certain assumptions that individuals develop their behaviour through learning process in the environment they are associated with. The theory is based on the concept of observational learning as well as operant conditioning. Observational learning signifies that behaviours of individuals are recognised to be learned through reinforcement, which is referred as vicarious reinforcement. Accordingly, individuals are conceived to learn as well as develop their behaviours in accordance with rewards and punishment rendered to criminals. For an example, individuals observing criminals punished with imprisonment for certain criminal offences are perceived to refrain from engaging in criminal activities to a certain extent. Moreover, individuals in the societies perceiving criminals making huge amount of money through different criminal offences are seemed to develop criminal behaviour. In a similar perspective, individuals developing their behaviour on the basis of social institution in certain society might be considered as non-deviance, which might in other societies are regarded as deviance act. Subsequently, it can be identified that non-criminal behaviour is developed by individuals through social institution (Grusec, 1992). Differential Association Theory Differential association theory was developed by Edwin Sutherland during the year 1939. The theory is based on two important concepts which include learning process and understanding the aspects learnt through learning process in order to comprehend criminal behaviour. The theory is based on certain provisions, which signify that individuals learn criminal behaviour and it is learned through communication. In this regard, it has been identified that individuals through interaction process develop non-criminal behaviour. It is also recognised that criminal and non-criminal behaviour are based on similar general values as well as needs. For an example, a child associated and interacting with certain alienated groups of children might commit crime for not possessing appropriate knowledge and understanding about future circumstances. In this respect, peer groups develop their behaviour through their interaction with others (Hawdon, 2012; Matsueda, 1982). Theory of Criminal Behaviour Theory of criminal behaviour implies that criminal offences are committed by individuals on the basis of physical type, psychopathology, mental defectiveness, poverty, poor heredity and broken homes among others. The theory signifies that non-criminal behaviour differs from criminal behaviour with respect to personality. Criminals are identified to reveal anti-social behaviour, which is caused due to mental or emotional conflict. The theory aids criminologists in having better knowledge as well as understanding about the causes of crime. Accordingly, the theory aids in understanding non-criminal behaviour as well as criminal behaviour (Jeffery, 1959). In this regard, it can be comprehended that social learning theory, differential learning theory and theory of criminal behaviour share certain similarities. The theories signified that criminal behaviour is identified through anti-social behaviour. It has been determined that behaviour is learnt through interaction process as well as social association. The theory implies that criminal offences are distinguished on the basis of criminal behaviour as well as non-criminal behaviour. On the other hand, there are certain differences amid the theories. Social learning theory is based on the concept that individuals develop their behaviour on the basis of social institution. Differential learning theory implies that behaviour of individuals is developed through communication or interaction with others. Theory of criminal behaviour implies that there are certain differences between criminal behaviour and non-criminal behaviour in relation to personality. Presently, criminologists use the theory of criminal behaviour in an immense manner with the aim of having relevant information about the causes that are accountable for committing crimes. Additionally, the theory is also used significantly in order to determine criminals on the basis of criminal behaviour and non-criminal behaviour. Several Incidents of Non-Criminal Behaviour in the Media There are numerous incidents in the media signifying that individuals were associated in committing crimes without criminal backgrounds. The mishap in movie theatre situated in Aurora signified the incident of open fire in the crowd by James Holmes. It has been ascertained that James Homes was psychiatric patient involved in the shooting mishap (Jorm, 2013). Additionally, there is another incident representing violent act committed by 22 years of age named Elliot Rodger. Elliot Rodger had revealed to possess mentally ill personality for various factors that include paranoid, lonely outcast, violent thoughts and anxiety. Elliot Rodger was responsible for violent rampage leading to the death of seven people and injuring around 13 people owing to mentally health problems (Firger, 2014). There are also juvenile cases of violent acts owing to social institutions as for an example, a 14 year of old girl from Chicago was arrested for killing another 14 year old girl. The girl arrested for slaying has learned violent behaviour from her social institution that includes school and family context (Badwin, 2014). The aforementioned incident reports provides an immense understanding about different facts and information in relation to the causes based on which violent behaviour are revealed by individuals. Additionally, criminologists by studying the incident reports will be facilitated with the opportunity of determining whether the criminal offences are caused due to criminal behaviour or non-criminal behaviour. Criminologists will also be able to have appropriate knowledge about deviant acts based on which non-criminal acts are committed. Recommendations for Future to Address the Problem of Non-Criminal Behaviour In the present day context, it has been identified that the number of violent incidents in relation to non-criminal behaviour has augmented to a large extent. Non-criminal behaviour has been emerged as an important topic to be studied in order to determine various factors based on which criminal charges are recognised for deviant acts. In this regard, adequate researches are required to be performed in the field of non-criminal behaviour by studying incident reports that are presented in the media. Subsequently, study of non-criminal behaviour will also aid in understanding the causes of crimes committed by mentally ill individuals and juveniles. Additionally, incident reports are required to be studied in an in-depth manner with the intention of having a better understanding about the differences that exists between criminal behaviour as well as non-criminal behaviour. The study of different incident reports will also aid researchers or criminologists in determining the needs as well as values with which expression of non-criminal behaviour can be recognised. In this regard, criminologists on identifying non-criminal behaviour should ascertain that individuals convicted for performing non-criminal acts by mentally ill individuals and juveniles are offered with appropriate treatments as well as guidance services. Contextually, guidance and treatment facilities will assist in developing their behaviour as prevailed in social institution and may assist in minimising deviant act by mentally ill individuals and juveniles. Moreover, criminologists with appropriate knowledge will be able to determine the extent of convicting individuals depicting non-criminal behaviour. Summary and Conclusion It can be comprehended from the foregoing discussion that in the criminology there is a linkage between psychiatry and law. Deviance is an act of developing behaviour that is closely linked with the violation of social norms as well as conduct. Deviance is determined to reveal either criminal behaviour or non-criminal behaviour. In this respect, criminologists determine the extent of conviction on the basis of criminal behaviour and non-criminal behaviour. Criminal behaviour is depicted through intentional commitment of certain crimes. On the other hand, non-criminal behaviour revealed committing criminal offences in an unintentional manner. There are adequate facts about criminal behaviour but facts about non-criminal behaviour are negligible. In this context, an in-depth study of non-criminal behaviour signified that individuals with mental illness and juveniles are the ones who are convicted of criminal offences for exhibiting their non-criminal behaviour. Additionally, different theories of non-criminal behaviour are studied with the intention of having adequate information about the causes of deviant acts. Non-criminal behaviour is identified to be possessed through social institution and personality. In this regard, it has been recognised that non-criminal behaviour is depicted by three types of individuals which include mentally ill, adolescents and individuals not confirming social norms. The theories have assisted in determining values as well as needs with which crimes are committed. In this respect, different incidents are presented in the media signifying the increased occurrence of non-criminal behaviour in different societies on a worldwide context. Subsequently, there is a need to conduct increased researches in relation to non-criminal behaviour with the aim of minimising its occurrences. Thus, from the discussion it can be comprehended that although a crime is an outcome of deviant behaviour but not every deviance can be considered as crime. References Badwin, D. (2014). Slaying of 14-year-old by another youth exposes entrenched Chicago violence. Retrieved from http://www.policeone.com/juvenile-crime/articles/7264441-Slaying-of-14-year-old-by-another-youth-exposes-entrenched-Chicago-violence/ Bryant, C. D. (2011). The Routledge handbook of deviant behaviour. New York: Routledge. Firger, J. (2014). Mental illness in spotlight after UC Santa Barbara rampage. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mental-illness-in-spotlight-after-uc-santa-barbara-rampage/ Grusec, J. E. (1992). Social learning theory and development psychology: The legacies of Robert Sears and Albert Bandura. Developmental Psychology, 28(5), 776-786. Hawdon, J. (2012). Discussion: Applying differential association theory to online hate groups: A theoretical statement. Research on Finnish Society, 5, 39-47. Jeffery, C. R. (1959). An integrated theory of crime and criminal behaviour. Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, 49(6), 533-552. Jorm, A. (2013). The media versus the mentally ill. Retrieved from http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/the-media-s-contribution-to-the-stigma-of-mental-illness-by-anthony-jorm Matsueda, R. L. (1982). Testing control theory and differential association: A causal modelling approach. American Sociological Review, 47, 489-504. Sharma, R. K. (1998). Criminology and penology. India: Atlantic Publishers & Dist. Sociology. (2010). Crime and deviance. Retrieved from http://www.sociology.org.uk/A2_Deviance_bc1.pdf Szasz, T. S. (1963). Law liberty and psychiatry. United Kingdom: Routledge & Kegan Paul. Read More