There are two theories in the criminology world, are very similar in underlying meaning, but in each key concepts there are many differences. Glenn Walters’s (1990) lifestyle theory is Walters’s beliefs on criminal behavior and why he believes criminals violate society’s rules. His theory is based on his findings on how criminals operate and why they choose to become or stay a criminal, when they always have another choice of participating in non-criminal activities. Another interesting theory is the routine activities theory. This theory is about lifestyle choices as well, but it is viewed from the perspective of daily activities that partake in a specific community. Each theory with their similarities and differences are each stull equally
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This theory teaches one what to look for, in a sense of if a person made this choice knowing the conditions alongside it, why was this choice still made. This can be very helpful in narrowing down suspects. Given a possible pool of suspects, one can go back to the crime scene from the beginning and look at the choices made throughout the duration of the crime. This can potentially narrow down who could have committed the crime due to the choices made with a cognitive viewpoint. Which this is how one can apply this theory to criminal justice. Going back to the routine activities theory, it can also be very helpful in the criminal justice field. The routine activities theory looks at crime and crime prevention. Any helpful way to possibly prevent crime, is extremely helpful from a criminal justice standpoint. This theory looks at the reasoning to high crime rates in some areas, but using this theory one can see the reasoning behind the crime rates and try to create more possible crime prevention tactics. If there is a relatively poor and disorganized community or neighborhood with high crime rates, by adding in a key concept like more capable guardians, then the crime rate is likely to go down. This is due to motivated offenders being less likely to commit a crime when a capable guardian is present. “In disorganized communities, the routine activities are such that they practically invite crime” (Walsh & Hemmens, 2013, p. 122). With one main element missing it is less possible for crime to occur. In these disorganized communities, by taking away one of the three elements, crimes will not be as prevalent. By applying this helpful theory to the criminal justice field, the high crime rates in many cities across a variety of places can go down. Overall each theory can be generally useful in helping the knowledge of
This theory teaches one what to look for, in a sense of if a person made this choice knowing the conditions alongside it, why was this choice still made. This can be very helpful in narrowing down suspects. Given a possible pool of suspects, one can go back to the crime scene from the beginning and look at the choices made throughout the duration of the crime. This can potentially narrow down who could have committed the crime due to the choices made with a cognitive viewpoint. Which this is how one can apply this theory to criminal justice. Going back to the routine activities theory, it can also be very helpful in the criminal justice field. The routine activities theory looks at crime and crime prevention. Any helpful way to possibly prevent crime, is extremely helpful from a criminal justice standpoint. This theory looks at the reasoning to high crime rates in some areas, but using this theory one can see the reasoning behind the crime rates and try to create more possible crime prevention tactics. If there is a relatively poor and disorganized community or neighborhood with high crime rates, by adding in a key concept like more capable guardians, then the crime rate is likely to go down. This is due to motivated offenders being less likely to commit a crime when a capable guardian is present. “In disorganized communities, the routine activities are such that they practically invite crime” (Walsh & Hemmens, 2013, p. 122). With one main element missing it is less possible for crime to occur. In these disorganized communities, by taking away one of the three elements, crimes will not be as prevalent. By applying this helpful theory to the criminal justice field, the high crime rates in many cities across a variety of places can go down. Overall each theory can be generally useful in helping the knowledge of