What theory do you think best explains violent criminal behavior and why? What theory do you think best
explains non- violent criminal behavior and why? If you don’t think, based on the readings, that one theory
explains these behaviors better than others, explain your reasoning.
Strain theory can facilitate explaining violent criminal behavior by considering the adversity and detrimental
factors in an individual’s environment. Felonious behavior appears to be correlated to crisis and efforts to
enable criminal coping mechanisms. An individual may have failed to adjust to certain social, cultural or
economic standards which could led to a path of deviation or irregular behavior to try to adapt to those
standards. The subject could be victim of the unmet standards and thus the violent behavior could manifest as
a possible outcome. Non-violent criminal behavior could also be understood at the root of the individual’s
behaviors. The influence of learned habits and conditioning from an early age could contribute to repeated
behaviors. An individual could be raised in an environment that criminal activity is the norm. The reinforcement
of those behaviors could represent an overwhelming role model for the child to attempt to imitate and adapt to
that environment. It is insightful to consider an individual’s upbringing and their efforts to adapt in environment
they may not have any control over. The psychological studies behind the potential root causes of crime can be
important tools at trying to reverse those trends and enabling intervention early on.
References:
[1] Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System. (2019). Open Textbook Library. “Strain Theories” p.
176
[2] Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System. (2019). Open Textbook Library. “Learning Theory” p.
180
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