Assess the Use of Criminological Theories in Informing Policy Development

The Importance of Criminological Theories in Policy Development

Criminological theories play a key role in informing policy development because they provide insights into the nature, cause and extent of criminal behaviour.
These theories allow policy makers to understand the root cause of crime, thereby guiding them in creating effective policies to prevent its occurrence and re-occurrence.
Examples of criminological theories that inform policy development include classicism, positivism, social disorganisation theory, conflict theory, and rational choice theory.

Classicism is a criminological theory that views crime as a free-willed rational decision and suggests that punishment should be proportionate to the crime.
Policy makers can employ classicism to develop laws that deter potential criminals through harsh penalties and to ensure justice in sentencing.

Positivism, another critical theory in criminology, views crime as a result of factors outside the individual’s control, such as social environments or genetics.
Policymakers using positivism would advocate for rehabilitation and treatment programmes to address these underlying issues contributing to criminal behaviour.

Social Disorganization Theory posits that high crime rates can be attributed to the breakdown of social institutions like education, family, and employment in a neighbourhood.
This theory encourages policymakers to implement community-focused solutions to crime, such as improving local education and creating jobs.

Conflict Theory argues that crime arises from social or economic power struggles.
Policies shaped by this theory aim to address inequality and social injustice in order to reduce crime.

Rational Choice Theory asserts that individuals commit crimes based on a rational calculation of the potential benefits and risks.
Policy developed from the perspective of rational choice theory would aim to adjust the perceived rewards and punishments associated with criminal behaviour to deter potential criminals.