Contemporary Views And Theories Of Criminal Behavior

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Describe contemporary views and theories of criminal behavior.

Paper For Above instruction

Contemporary theories of criminal behavior provide diverse perspectives on why individuals engage in criminal activities, emphasizing structural, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Among these, routine activity theory and strain theory stand out as influential frameworks that help explain criminal behaviors and inform crime prevention strategies. This paper explores these two theories, their histories, key elements, illustrative examples, and their applications in current crime prevention policies.

Routine Activity Theory

The routine activity theory was developed in the late 1970s by Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson, originally rooted in criminal opportunity theories and social ecology. The theory emerged from studies indicating that crime occurs when motivated offenders encounter suitable targets in the absence of capable guardianship. Cohen and Felson's seminal work, “Routine Activity and Crime Prevention,” argued that changes in societal routines, such as increased female workforce participation and the proliferation of consumer goods, inadvertently affected crime rates by creating more opportunities for offenders.

The key elements of routine activity theory include three essential components: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of capable guardianship. The interplay of these components creates conducive conditions for criminal activity. For example, thefts occurring in unlocked cars parked in public spaces exemplify how routine routines and the lack of guardianship facilitate crimes.

For instance, consider a convenience store robbed during late-night hours when the store is poorly monitored, and there are few or no security personnel present. The motivated offender perceives the store as a suitable target, primarily due to its vulnerability, demonstrating how the absence of guardianship combined with routine activities can lead to crime. The theory explains this by emphasizing that criminal opportunities are directly linked to everyday routines and societal patterns.

Current crime prevention strategies based on routine activity theory include target-hardening measures such as installing surveillance cameras, increased police patrols, community watch programs, and environmental design (CPTED). For example, neighborhood watch initiatives mobilize community members and law enforcement to increase guardianship. Additionally, modern technological solutions like smart security systems and lighting are aligned with the theory's principles, reducing opportunities for crime by altering the routine environment and increasing guardianship.

Strain Theory

Strain theory, introduced by sociologist Robert K. Merton in 1938, posits that crime results from the disconnect between culturally prescribed goals and the legitimate means available to achieve them. Merton’s original concept viewed society as promoting success and wealth as primary goals, but not all individuals have equal access to the legitimate avenues for achieving these goals. This disparity creates a strain or pressure that may lead individuals to resort to criminal means as alternative pathways.

The core elements of strain theory include cultural goals, institutionalized means, and the pressure or frustration caused by the inability to attain societal expectations legally. Merton identified different adaptations to strain, such as innovation (resorting to crime to achieve success), retreatism, rebellion, and conformity.

An illustrative example is a young individual growing up in impoverished circumstances who perceives success and financial stability as attainable goals but faces limited opportunities for legitimate employment. This person might turn to drug trafficking or theft to attain economic success, illustrating how strain fosters criminal behavior. Strain theory explains such criminality as a response to social structural inequalities and blocked opportunities.

In terms of crime prevention, policies based on strain theory often focus on reducing societal disparities and providing legitimate opportunities for success. An effective approach is job creation programs, educational initiatives, and social support services that alleviate the pressure to engage in criminal activity. For example, community development programs aimed at improving educational and employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth can mitigate the strain that may lead to criminal behaviors, aligning with the principles of strain theory.

Conclusion

Both routine activity theory and strain theory offer valuable insights into understanding criminal behavior. Routine activity theory highlights the situational and environmental factors that facilitate crimes, emphasizing the importance of guardianship and routine patterns. In contrast, strain theory underscores the societal and structural factors driving individuals toward crime due to frustration and blocked opportunities. Applying these theories in crime prevention allows for targeted strategies—whether through environmental design or addressing social inequalities—that effectively reduce the occurrence of criminal activities in contemporary society.

References

• Cohen, L. E., & Felson, M. (1979). Social Change and Crime Rate Trends: A Routine Activity Approach. American Sociological Review, 44(4), 588-608.
• Merton, R. K. (1938). Social Structure and Anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.
• Clarke, R. V., & Eck, J. E. (2003). Crime Analysis for Problem Solvers in 60 Small Steps. U.S. Department of Justice.
• Felson, M., & Clarke, R. V. (1998). Opportunity Makes the Thief: Practical Theory for Crime Prevention. Criminology, 36(4), 439-456.
• Barnes, G. (2013). Social Disorganization and Crime. In R. M. Brown (Ed.), Crime and Society: Readings in Criminology (pp. 45-67). Oxford University Press.
• Agnew, R. (1992). Foundation for a General Strain Theory of Crime and Delinquency. Criminology, 30(1), 47-87.
• Agnew, R. (2006). General Strain Theory and Crime. In P. C. Britto & J. R. V. (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Crime and Deviance (pp. 97-114). Routledge.
• Messner, S. F., & Rosenfeld, R. (2001). Crime and the American Dream. Wadsworth.
• Chiu, C., et al. (2015). Crime Prevention and Community Engagement through Environmental Design. Journal of Crime Prevention, 12(2), 123-134.
• Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A General Theory of Crime. Stanford University Press.