Describe Individualistic Theories of Criminality

Individualistic Theories of Criminality

Rational Choice Theory

Postulates that people choose to commit crime after considering potential benefits and costs.
People are seen as rational actors who respond to incentives.
A key concept is the notion of deterrence, where the threat of punishment can inhibit criminal behaviour.

Trait Theory

The belief that criminals possess certain psychological or physical traits that lead them to commit crimes.
These traits might include aggression, low self-control, or impulsivity.
This theory can be traced back to the 19th century with Italian physician Cesare Lombroso’s “born criminal” theory, claiming some people are biologically predetermined to criminality.

Asserts that crime is a function of a person’s interaction with various organisations, institutions, processes in society.
Key components include theories of socialisation, the process of learning behaviour, and the effect of both positive and negative reinforcement.
Example is ** Edwin Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory** which posits that criminal behaviour is learned from close relationships with others

Self-Control Theory

Rooted in the concept of self-discipline and self-guidance.
Argues crime and similar forms of deviant behaviour are mostly likely to occur from individuals who lack self-control.
Self-control, as a trait, is developed during childhood and tends to remain stable throughout a person’s life (as postulated by Michael Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi).

Biological Theories

Different biological factors are believed to contribute to criminal behaviour such as genes, hormones or brain structure.
An example is the study of the serotonin hormone; low levels of serotonin in the brain have been associated with increased susceptibility to impulsive behaviour, aggression, overeating and alcohol abuse.
Research on neurotransmitters and crime suggests that individuals with lower levels of certain neurotransmitters may be more likely to engage in criminal behaviour.

Remember, these theories try to explain the complex phenomenon of criminality from a individual’s perspective and no single theory can capture all aspects of this complex behaviour therefore these theories often intersect and complement each other and are often used together for a more complete picture of why an individual may exhibit criminal tendencies.