There Is A Wide Array Of Theories About The Cause Of Crime

There is a wide array of theories about the cause of crime ranging from predisposition to environmental factors. Research and development of these delinquency theories have progressed and been categorized by biological, psychological, and sociological theories. A major biological theory is Richard Dugdale’s theory of inheritance. There are several psychological theories with two of them being intelligence theory and Sigmund Freud’s personality trait theory. Sociological theories includes Emilie Durkheim’s functionalist theory and Edwin Sutherland’s differential association theory. Overall, there are a wide range of theories and theorists that try to determine what factors influence deviance and why deviance occurs in society. Biological†¦show more content†¦Biological theories of deviance vary from other theories in several ways. One example is biological theory s concept of inheritance and predisposition to deviant behavior. Another variance is t hat unlike sociological theories, both biological and psychological theories are based on factors generated within the individual. Psychological theories on deviance are typically based on the concept of the variables and pathology that effect an individual’s personality (Moore, 228). While psychological theories are based on an individual’s inner self and personality, there is no association between personality and deviancy. There is a supposition that deviating individuals have deviating personalities (Henslin, 201). These theories try to find a correlation between environmental and psychological factors. A few major psychological theories include the intelligence theory and Sigmund Freud’s personality theory. The intelligence theory was developed based of the belief of an association between intelligence and deviant behavior. Referencing research by H. H. Goddard it was determined that deviant behavior had a connection with low intelligence (Moore, 230, as ci ted in Shoemaker, 47). While Goddard established and researched a link between intelligence and behavior, it is difficult to ensure that a correlation actually exists. With an increase in education there is a multitude of factors influencing an individual’s intelligence thus affecting his or herShow MoreRelatedAbstract . The Labeling Theory Proposes That Once A Juvenile1582 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract The labeling theory proposes that once a juvenile has been labeled a deviant or delinquent they become stigmatized as a criminal, and begin to believe the label or accept it in a self-fulfilling prophecy. Because of these labels, many juveniles continue with their deviant acts because they feel obligated to act out in a negative manner. 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