When it comes to understanding the theories behind the connection between crimes and individuals or the community, many people may not realize that the beliefs that differentiate these theories are not as complex as they may seem at first glance. By simplifying the core theories, individuals are able to better understand the various theories, which can help individuals identify the theory they most identify with when considering the interactions between crime and society. Once we understand the basics of the theories, it is much easier to build on the theory by including some of the more complex ideas supported by the theories. There are many theories and many are created daily by individuals. However, there are a few theories, that are more common and widely held as beliefs than other theories may be.
There are theories of social structure or such theories that the state and construction of the social environment will determine the likelihood and amount of crime in a given area. Individuals who are exposed to poverty and other signs of social decline are thought to be more prone to crime and violence. There are other specific social theories that believe that crime is perpetuated by the inequality that exists within the social structure that is established. When people are unable to achieve what society expects of them, such as the "American Dream," these individuals turn to crime to try to make that dream come true. Individual theories exist to explain criminology in society. Trait theories are those based on scientific knowledge about the human body and how chemicals and genetic material determine or change how an individual responds to stimuli. Aggressive behavior and antisocial tendencies are just some of the many personality traits of individuals who engage in criminal activity, and connections with genetics, hormones and other biological factors are currently being studied.
Some theories stop looking at what drives individuals to become corrupt and instead focus on societal effects to explain how and why some people are able to lead productive and admirable lives. These theories are commonly referred to as control or social control theories. The example illustrates that an individual who has a greater degree of self-control will be able to wait patiently while he achieves his dream or goal, rather than using possibly degenerate means to gain immediate access to his desire. Symbolic interaction as a theory examines the relationship between a powerful, ruling class and those who are less powerful. By fitting in with the belief that they were less powerful, the youths they looked down upon played the role assigned to them. It represents a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts, as young people take the more powerful group at their word and transfer the definition to themselves as criminals.
Of the last major theories surrounding criminology, rational choice theory argues that criminals weigh the pros and cons of an outcome just like anyone else. When the costs and benefits are analyzed, the criminal makes a decision. They can also consider the time and place of the crime to find the situation with the lowest risk of crime.
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