The theory of social learning appears to be more practical in explaining violent criminal behavior. This theory suggests that criminal behavior is learnt by observation of the people in our social environment. In other words, this theory suggest that if one grows in an environment full of crime, they will also develop such characteristics. I believe this theory best explains violent crime because, in order to learn to be violent, one must have observed someone else being violent. For example, one cannot steal with a gun if they have no idea about how a gun is used which means that they must have learnt how to use a gun from somewhere. Biological/biosocial theories applies best in cases of non-violent crimes. Biosocial theory emphasizes the role of genetics in developing criminal behavior. I think the theory best explains non-violent crimes because one does not have to observe someone else engaging in violence unlike in violent crimes since they already have inherent traits that make them to commit crimes by default. Psychological theory of crime best explains violent criminal behavior. The idea that someone’s upbringing or lack of has a major impact on their adult behavior and mental stability makes a great deal of sense. For example, it is an unfortunate known fact that children who are beaten have a tendency to do repeat such behavior later in life. This vicious cycle could be from psychological damage they experience, which then makes them become criminals in various ways.
Choosing a theory that I think best explains nonviolent crimes was more of a challenge than choosing one for violent crimes, however, I think that the sociological theory or view of crime seems to explain nonviolent crimes/criminals best. According to Sanchez (2019) corporate crime is a major nonviolent crime in the US. These people may hold powerful positions in companies or not, but can be influenced and sucked into the greed and money hungry lifestyle, which can inspire them to commit crimes. Society and social aspects have a powerful influence on a person’s behavior, thoughts, and feelings. When a person is surrounded by a community or group of people that provoke or encourage criminal behavior, it is likely that he or she will also engage in criminal acts (Jensen & Rojek, 1980). These acts are not necessarily violent, though, like drug use or drug dealing. If a person is constantly around or has access to things like drugs, it is likely for them to be influenced by those outside forces and participate too. To some this probably sounds like an excuse or saying that it is society’s fault or a bad neighborhood, but these things actually can impact a person’s decision to commit or not to commit a nonviolent crime. I applaud you for a great job done on the discussion post. Your post offers great insights regarding criminal behavior. I agree with you that indeed an individual’s experiences during childhood matters a lot and might determine what they become in future and that explains your choice for psychological theory and development of violent crime. You also offer great insights regarding your choice for sociological theory and development of non-violent crimes but allow me to also weigh into the matter. Personally, I think the biological theory would also be a good fit because it means that an individual already has genes for being a criminal and therefore might just get involved into any kind of crime without necessarily being violent as they are programmed to do the crime anyway. I don’t particularly think any of the theories describe the criminal condition 100% accurately, but rather a mixture of them all. Criminal activity can be situational, genetic, learned...many things can cause criminality. I also don’t think humans are naturally good, nor do I think humans are naturally bad. I think humans are inherently selfish - doing things to better their life or to make things easier and to ensure survival. As a species, we do things to our benefit, and the same can be said as individuals. Typically, people commit crimes to their own benefit, whether it’s theft or even revenge-motivated. Some people may have a bad living situation they wish to improve or maybe they just simply want something, so they take it. It’s because of this that I think it’s more of a mixture of the theories, rather than one over the other. Indeed as you correctly state, no theory can explain with 100% the cause of criminal behavior in an individual. As you correctly state, our behavior is determined by a combination of factors ranging from genetics, social environment and the experiences that one goes through life. It is these circumstances that push an individual into committing criminal behavior. Further, I would state that the combination of these factors also affect the kind of crime; whether violent or non violent that an individual commits.
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