The Root Causes of Crime PDF

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An examination of the root causes of crime based on the individual trait theory, rational choice theory, and social process theory. ...

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The Root Causes of Crime

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The Root Causes of Crime Name Course Individual Date

The Root Causes of Crime

2 The Root Causes of Crime

The concept of crime has always been controversial. Despite in-depth studies by different criminologists and sociologists in the field, a clear cut definition of crime has never been universally agreed on. Therefore, the most accurate way to define crime is from a legal perspective (OpenLearn, 2019). Based on this fact, crime can be defined as an action that the law deems illegal. However, criminologists have also questioned this definition of crime. One weakness of this definition is based on the fact that different societies have different beliefs that guide on which actions are considered illegal. For example, same-sex relationships are considered a crime in Africa, while in countries such as the United States, some states have legalized same-sex relationships. Inconsistencies in how crime is defined has led to different theories in the root causes of crime. Therefore, this brings about the question, what are the root causes of crime in a contemporary society? A contemporary society is a society that can be characterized by globalization, technological advancements, and a rise in human interconnection (Browning et al., 2000). To control crime, sociologists and criminologists have tried to solve the mystery of the root cause of crime in an attempt to control and manage crime in our society. However, due to an everchanging society, different actions become criminalized and decriminalized based on the characteristics of a society. Therefore researchers have come up with different theories to try and pinpoint what the root cause of crime is. In this paper, we will explore how rational choice, social process, and individual trait theories define the root causes of crime. Individual Trait Theory The individual trait theory states that our personalities can predispose us to commit crimes. In simple terms, the theory states that our experiences and genetics influence how we act. According to Siegel and McCormick (2015), sociologists believe that biological and genetic factors have an impact on our perceptions and how we learn behaviors, which are then linked to the current environmental structures in place. Factors that influence the personality trait of a

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person, which later influences their character, are numerous. Therefore, psychologists and criminologists have come up with different ideas and views on how people attain their personalities. Part of this process involves the categorization of personality traits, which are used to identify why some people are more predisposed to crime than others. In his attempt to categorize personality traits, Gordon Allport theorized that there are over 4000 personality traits. He, therefore, split these traits into three sub-categories, namely, cardinal, central, and secondary. Gordon Allport defined cardinal traits as the traits that are used to define an individual entirely, fro example, ruthlessness. Central traits are some of the most descriptive traits that are present in nearly everyone to some degree, for example, kind, lovable, and selfish. Secondary traits are used to describe particular individuals during certain events, for example, aggressive drivers in a traffic jam. When profiling a criminal such as serial killers, they exhibit cardinal traits such as ruthlessness, narcissism, central traits such as manipulativeness, reclusiveness, and lack of empathy, and secondary traits such as charm. Aside from personality traits, individual trait theory also explores the impact of a person's intelligence quotient on their likelihood to commit crime. This section of the trait theory examines the relationship between personality, social learning, personal intelligence, and how it influences criminal activity (Siegel & McCormick, 2015). The individual trait theory suggests that the people who are most likely to commit a crime have a low intelligence quotient (IQ). However, the question is to what extent does intelligence play in the likelihood of people committing crime? Intelligence levels have been linked to the individual's environment due to the increase in IQ levels in the past four generations. However, with crime rates not decreasing with an increase in intelligence quotient, there is likely an equal distribution in intelligence levels among criminals. The difference is that low IQ criminals are more likely to get caught than high IQ criminals.

The Root Causes of Crime

4 Rational Choice Theory

The rational choice theory assumes that rational decisions influence the choices humans make by carefully analyzing the benefits and consequences of following through with the action (Akers, 1990). The rational choice theory explores the reasons why people engage in crime, which include the possibility that crime is fun, rewarding, satisfying, or easy. The primary theme of the rational choice theory is that humans are conscious and intelligent beings who can modify and control their behavior if there is a risk of punishment. Therefore, the theory provides that if the fear of punishment is intensified, then crime rates would significantly decrease. Due to the assumption that a criminal act is a personal choice, then those responsible should be held accountable for their actions. This reasoning is based on the fact that before committing a crime, criminals first evaluate the probability of getting arrested, the severity of the punishment if they get caught, and the possible rewards their criminal act will provide. Therefore, if an individual perceives they are likely to get arrested, the risk is too high, and the potential reward is too low then, then they are likely not to engage in crime. A study found that criminal acts of theft and violence adapt to the rational choice theory. The study found that theft and violence is influenced by the perceived risk of getting arrested, potential psychic rewards that include social status and excitement, and the potential opportunities (Matsueda et al., 2006). The researchers also found out that despite the associated risks of committing a crime being low, the impact of the risks was significant in the final decision-making process. Several studies on common street crime yielded similar results that provided the legitimacy of the rational choice theory. A study conducted on street sex workers determined that before approaching a potential worker, the women first rationally choose potential customers to solicit, and the potential risks they are willing t bear with during the interaction. As for drug users, their decision to engage in drug abuse results from the potential benefits of using the drugs mainly 'getting high' (Maher, 1996).

The Root Causes of Crime

5 Social Process Theory

The social process theory states that anybody can turn to a life of crime if they are exposed to destructive social interactions with different individuals at different levels of society's institutions and organizations. The social process is subdivided into three categories, social learning theory, social control theory, and the labeling theory. Social learning theory states that individuals turn to crime due to favoring interactions with characters involved in crime rather than favoring interactions with characters not engaged in crime (Jeffery, 1995). Social control theory states that individuals commit criminal acts when normative standards and social controls are weak (Bartol & Bartol, 2017). The theory assumes that humans are born inherently immoral, but control checks such as laws, regulations, and taboos help maintain social order. Therefore, social control theory assumes that those engaging in criminal acts have a weak bond with these social controls. Labeling theory focuses on the reaction of the society towards crime offenders and crime itself. Labeling theory states that an individual's behavior is influenced by how the society describes them (Besemer et al., 2017). The theory suggests that incarcerating crime offenders in criminal offenders increases their likelihood of committing crime again. Labeling theorists argue that the offender internalizes the behavior that is associated with the crime they committed; hence they become repeat offenders. The social process theory aims to reshape the self-image of the crime offenders. It shifts the blame of the crime away from the offender by positing that society is responsible for the crime for adversely influencing the offender's behavior in the first place. Therefore, it argues that if society changed how it viewed crime, then it could positively influence the behavior of its members and dissuade them from committing crime. For example, current society shuns away from criminals, and once an individual is identified as a criminal, they are victimized by society. They are less likely to get jobs or gain access to institutions of learning due to that label. Therefore, they are more likely to re-offend because they have conformed to how society views them.

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There is no one definite answer when one is trying to define the main reasons why people commit crimes. Criminologists agree on one thing that several theories examine the root causes of crime, including rational choice theory, individual trait theory, and social process theory. The reason behind this huge number in different criminology theories is that despite their attempts to define the root causes of crime, all these theories also have weaknesses. Therefore, in my opinion, there will never be one theory that thoroughly explains the root causes of crime.

The Root Causes of Crime

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Akers, R. L. (1990). Rational choice, deterrence, and social learning theory in criminology: The path not taken. The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology (1973-), 81(3), 653676. https://doi.org/10.2307/1143850 Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2017). Criminal behavior: A psychological approach. Pearson Higher Ed. Besemer, S., Farrington, D. P., & Bijleveld, C. C. (2017). Labeling and intergenerational transmission of crime: The interaction between criminal justice intervention and a convicted parent. PLOS ONE, 12(3). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0172419 Browning, G., Halcli, A., & Webster, F. (2000). Understanding contemporary society: Theories of the present. SAGE. Jeffery, C. R. (1995). Criminal behavior and learning theory. Contemporary Masters in Criminology, 56(3), 175-186. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9829-6_11 Maher, L. (1996). Hidden in the light: Occupational norms among crack-using street-level sex workers. Journal of Drug Issues, 26(1), 143173. https://doi.org/10.1177/002204269602600109 Matsueda, R. L., Kreager, D. A., & Huizinga, D. (2006). Deterring delinquents: A rational choice model of theft and violence. American Sociological Review, 71(1), 95122. https://doi.org/10.1177/000312240607100105 OpenLearn. (2019, January 24). What is crime? https://www.open.edu/openlearn/societypolitics-law/criminology/what-crime Siegel, L. J., & McCormick, C. R. (2015). Criminology in Canada: Theories, patterns and typologies. Nelson College Indigenous....