Theories Of Criminal Behavior

The human brain is very unique and it functions in many ways, giving individuals the power to think, speak, plan, and imagine. However, when individuals commit crimes, the criminal justice system and scientist study that behavior to learn the causes of crime. The needs and motivations of individuals who engage in crime differ based on biological origins, psychological, or socially induced. History has shown that by applying theory it allows researchers to discern why individuals react the way they do to certain conditions. In this paper, I will explain what I believe are the occurrences of crimes and why people commit them. I will also illuminate the variables associated with crime, identify reasons concerning the circumstances and explain techniques used when evaluating the criminal behavior.
When situations change it becomes an issue for individuals to adjust. Society categorizes and divided individuals based on race, gender, family, and ultimately the amount of economic resources they have. Society usually divides people into upper class, the
The blocked opportunities to maintain social status creates new opportunities for crime. Individuals, who believe that there is an injustice in the conditions to which they are to live within will not respect the norms of society and will conform to a way of self indulgence. If the measurement of success is through material gain, it is only natural for people to pursue the American Dream by trying to accumulate property and economic prosperity. However, unequal access to legitimate economic structures is a source of intense strain, rage, and anger for Americans. Criminal behavior is a response from those whom society has failed to provide legitimate access to achieving that American Dream (Williams & McShane, 2009, p.