EYSENCK Eysenck argued that criminal behaviour is linked to personality traits.
He identified key traits including extraversion and neuroticism.
EXPLAIN
Extraverts are more likely to seek excitement, take risks, and act impulsively, while introverts are more
controlled and less likely to engage in criminal behaviour.
Neuroticism refers to emotional instability, meaning individuals may react aggressively or unpredictably.
EYSENCK’S
Eysenck also suggested that some individuals may have lower levels of conscience, making them less
responsive to punishment.
This combination of traits can make individuals more likely to commit crime.
THEORY OF
THEORY
For example, an extravert may commit crime for excitement, while a neurotic individual may react
emotionally and act aggressively.
Evaluation:
+ Explains how personality can influence behaviour
CRIME
+ Helps explain individual differences in offending
- Ignores social and environmental factors
- Not everyone with these traits becomes criminal
Merton argued that crime occurs when people cannot achieve socially
accepted goals through legitimate means.
MERTON
This creates strain, which may lead individuals to commit crime.
People may turn to crime as an alternative way to achieve success.
EXPLAIN STRAIN
STRAIN For example, someone who cannot achieve financial success legally may
commit theft.
THEORY
Evaluation:
+ Explains link between crime and inequality
+ Focuses on social structure
- Does not explain all types of crime
- Assumes everyone shares the same goals
He identified key traits including extraversion and neuroticism.
EXPLAIN
Extraverts are more likely to seek excitement, take risks, and act impulsively, while introverts are more
controlled and less likely to engage in criminal behaviour.
Neuroticism refers to emotional instability, meaning individuals may react aggressively or unpredictably.
EYSENCK’S
Eysenck also suggested that some individuals may have lower levels of conscience, making them less
responsive to punishment.
This combination of traits can make individuals more likely to commit crime.
THEORY OF
THEORY
For example, an extravert may commit crime for excitement, while a neurotic individual may react
emotionally and act aggressively.
Evaluation:
+ Explains how personality can influence behaviour
CRIME
+ Helps explain individual differences in offending
- Ignores social and environmental factors
- Not everyone with these traits becomes criminal
Merton argued that crime occurs when people cannot achieve socially
accepted goals through legitimate means.
MERTON
This creates strain, which may lead individuals to commit crime.
People may turn to crime as an alternative way to achieve success.
EXPLAIN STRAIN
STRAIN For example, someone who cannot achieve financial success legally may
commit theft.
THEORY
Evaluation:
+ Explains link between crime and inequality
+ Focuses on social structure
- Does not explain all types of crime
- Assumes everyone shares the same goals
