Micro Criminological Theories

Criminological theories have traditionally focused on explaining crime rates and criminal behavior separately with their own notions, assumptions, and scopes of criminality (Heidt & Wheeldon, 2015). However, integrated theories propose the combination of macro and micro theories to explain the causes of crime. Macro theories such as social disorganization try to explain the criminal act and crime rate with the characteristics of the neighborhood. On the other hand, Micro theories explain the influence of social process on an individual and their behavior of criminality (Heidt & Wheeldon, 2015; Muftic, 2009). In this paper, I will be discussing the concept of theoretical integration of criminology theories, the different types of integrations, …show more content…
Integrative theories have been on the forefront since the 1930 's with Merton 's strain theory and Sutherland 's differential association theory in 1942 (Heidt & Wheeldon, 2015). Merton 's theory of strain falls under the structural theories, where it focuses on the strain faced by individuals from a blocked opportunity because of social norms (Muftic, 2009). He integrated Darwin 's anomie theory of lack of purpose in comparison to the American dream, how some people who lack the resources are deflected to the path of deviance. Sutherland incorporated Gabriel Tarde 's three laws of imitation to the differential association theory and further explained them (Heidt & Wheeldon, 2015). Differential association theory comes under process theories, which try to explain a person 's interactions and what they learn from their surroundings; Sutherland said the people learn crime as they learn any other behavior. Early integrated theories only offered explanations in sociological and social psychological perspectives, which produced limited clarification, causing a failure to acknowledge the individual factors like biology and psychology (Heidt & Wheeldon, …show more content…
Hirschi pointed out three different types of proposition integrating processes: end to end (reshuffling of variables), side by side (parallel connection), and up and down (general abstract) (Heidt & Wheeldon, 2015; Muftic, 2009). According to Hirschi, the end to end integration entails the process of moving the variables of different theories so that the independent component in original theory becomes depended in the newly integrated theory (Heidt & Wheeldon, 2015). Thornberry displayed an example, by integrating control theory with learning theory (Muftic, 2009). An individual with weak social bonds will associate with delinquent peers, which lead them to a highly anticipated delinquent behavior. When the person has previously committed criminal behavior they are furthered from their initial social bonds, in turn, more serious criminal behavior follows (Heidt & Wheeldon, 2015; Muftic,