Causes of crime

1
Causes of crime

• A summary of types of theory

2
Biological theories

• Cesare Lombroso was the first of these thinkers.
• They suggest that the physical make up of
  criminals is different from that of normal
  people.
• This then pre-disposes them to crime.

3
Social Psychology

• H J Eysenck was one of the best known.
• They suggest that criminals are different in
  their mental structure in some way.
• They commit crime because they are somehow
  damaged.

4
Structural theories of crime

• These suggest that the workings of society are at
  fault.
• People are criminal for reasons which are logical
  to them.
• Laws and social structures create criminals.
• Marxism sees this as a problem, but Durkheim sees
  crime as good for society.

5
Labelling theories

• These suggest that the reactions of people to
  those who are labelled as criminal is the
  problem.
• It creates a hardening of the behaviour and does
  not allow people an escape route.
• They define themselves as having a criminal
  identity.

6
Sub-cultural theories of crime

• Criminal behaviours arise through adjustments
  that individuals and groups make to the working
  of society.
• They form criminal groups with separate values
  and norms from those of mainstream society in
  order to attain the goals that they desire.

7
Activity and discussion

• One early sociology text, Jack Nobbs Modern
  Society suggested some of the following as causes
  of delinquency and delinquent behaviour.
• Where do these following suggestions fit into the
  previous categories described?

8
Over-identification with media figures who are
criminal
9
Sense of injustice at an unequal society
10
Being misunderstood at school
11
Weak parental discipline
12
Loneliness
13
Neglected upbringing
14
Mental and physical inadequacy
15
Spoiling of children
16
Emotional disturbance
17
Low self esteem
18
Living in a bad area
19
Bad family examples
20
Single parenthood
21
Illegitimacy
22
Poverty
23
Lack of affection
24
Working mothers
25
Instinct of aggression