Assignment 1 - Theories and approaches to explain criminal
behaviour
P3
TASK 1
Criminal Behaviour Theories and Casual Factors
The Oxford Dictionary defines a crime as an action or omission which constitutes an offence and is
punishable by law. When crime is the result of rational choices, the criminal attempts the action for
personal benefit or reward. Human behaviour is in reality the result of complex interactions between
many factors, and in general terms, the theories of criminal behaviour are biological, psychological and
sociological.
Biological theories are based on body shape, genetics, twins research to distinguish among genetic and
social factors, and chromosome variance studies. Thus, this theory indicates that crime is genetically
spread across the family.
Psychological theories also reflect on the person, but they assume internal characteristics that may
affect the criminal activity. This theory also indicates that criminal behaviour is a feature of mental
trauma and maladjustment earlier in the family history, and that it may also be based on individual’s
past experiences that can lead to criminal activity.
Sociological theory covers developmental, social and economic influences. One example can be poverty
that is mostly referred to as a socio-economic issue related to crime. Stress, strain, and anger faced by
those who lack the financial resources to fulfil their needs and achieve their wishes by legal means,
encourage more people to commit crime comparing to other wealthy individuals with easy access to
legitimate means. Poverty may also lead to lack of education, when parents can’t afford child’s
behaviour
P3
TASK 1
Criminal Behaviour Theories and Casual Factors
The Oxford Dictionary defines a crime as an action or omission which constitutes an offence and is
punishable by law. When crime is the result of rational choices, the criminal attempts the action for
personal benefit or reward. Human behaviour is in reality the result of complex interactions between
many factors, and in general terms, the theories of criminal behaviour are biological, psychological and
sociological.
Biological theories are based on body shape, genetics, twins research to distinguish among genetic and
social factors, and chromosome variance studies. Thus, this theory indicates that crime is genetically
spread across the family.
Psychological theories also reflect on the person, but they assume internal characteristics that may
affect the criminal activity. This theory also indicates that criminal behaviour is a feature of mental
trauma and maladjustment earlier in the family history, and that it may also be based on individual’s
past experiences that can lead to criminal activity.
Sociological theory covers developmental, social and economic influences. One example can be poverty
that is mostly referred to as a socio-economic issue related to crime. Stress, strain, and anger faced by
those who lack the financial resources to fulfil their needs and achieve their wishes by legal means,
encourage more people to commit crime comparing to other wealthy individuals with easy access to
legitimate means. Poverty may also lead to lack of education, when parents can’t afford child’s
