By: Prachi Gor

The matter of crime has been a great ongoing challenge in society throughout history. Over the years, different types of disciplines brought new theories, trying to get to the very root of crime. Multiple theories have been thought of about the possible causes of criminal behavior including biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives. Each theory has its own specific set of strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these theories is extremely crucial when it comes to developing crime prevention strategies that will be effective in forming a safer nation. 

To start, biological theories assume that the behavior of a criminal begins to stem from genetic predispositions, neurological deficiencies, or even physical characteristics. Even with this, “No one can be a ‘born criminal’…” as crime is socially defined (Nickerson, 2023). Studies have shown that Neurological abnormalities or even deficits possibly could harm the impulse control or judgment of the individual. Biological theories are supported as modern neuroscience has recognized differences in the brain with some offenders compared to the average person. This evidence minimizes social bias as it proves brain abnormalities. Unfortunately, these theories are deterministic. This is because “the idea that human behavior can only be fully understood in terms of genetics is wrong since a full assessment of the causes of behavior, particularly on a global scale, requires an interactionist viewpoint” (Biological Theories – Advantages and Disadvantages Table in A Level and IB Criminology, 2023). There are both positive and negative biological explanations for an individual to commit a crime. But since social and biological factors are not taken into account when dealing with crime, they have always failed to fully explain it. 

Psychological theories direct their attention to mental processes, personality traits, and even early life experiences as multiple different causes of criminal behavior. Psychologists begin the task of explaining delinquent and criminal behavior by aiming these traits at an individual. Specifically, when observing the processes of when behavior and restraints on behavior are absorbed. These processes usually are, “conceived as being the result of the interaction of biological predispositions and social experiences” (Criminology – Causes, Theories, Prevention, n.d.). Furthermore, this theory is great and very useful in developing rehabilitation or treatment approaches and even in explaining different individual differences in criminal behavior. However, these theories may make it difficult to establish if psychological issues result in crime or cause it. 

Sociological theories have been used to examine how social structures, factors within culture, and group dynamics add to criminal behavior. Social inequality and the absence of different opportunities are known to possibly drive crime. Therefore, weak social bonds along with very poor community unification may also increase acts of criminal activity.  These theories are beneficial as they explain the different variations in crime rates across all of the different communities across our nation, while also useful for creating social policies to begin to prevent criminal activity. Along with these positive traits, these theories also contain some weaknesses. They make it difficult to fully account for why some individuals begin to maneuver their way to crime while other people in similar or the same circumstances do not. 

All in all, while these biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives offer great insights, a single theory can never be able to give a full explanation regarding all the aspects of criminal behavior. An approach that is integrated from all three of these important theories is the most likely to provide the most proper comprehension of crime, criminal activity, and its causes.