How Did Emile Durkheim Influence Macrosociological Crime Theory?

Macrosociological crime theory examines how the organization or structure of a society can generate an environment conducive to crime (Bohm & Vogel, 2011, p. 69). Furthermore, Emile Durkheim rejected the notion that crime can be explained by an individual’s biological or psychological factors, and he theorized that crime was a normal occurrence in society, which he labeled as a social fact (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). Therefore, Durkheim influenced macrosociological theory by providing insight on the overall aspects of society and crime beginning with social facts. Durkheim defined social facts as social laws or institutions that dominate individuals by limiting their choices, and all that people can do is to submit to them (Bohm & Vogel, 2011).