Since the boom of the industrial revolution and evolution of large cities and subsequent rise in crime rates, criminologists have long since sought to discover an explanation for criminal behaviour. Why do some people commit crime or engage in criminal behaviour and some don’t? How does one become a criminal and where do they learn the skills which enable them to commit a crime? Why do some people easily identify an opportunity to commit a crime whereas others wouldn’t know where to begin or even see a criminal opportunity?
Crime is a social fact that exists in all societies across the world, yet levels of intensity and frequency vary depending on geographical location. ‘Crime operates as a core concept in modern society’ (Morrison: 2013: 3) …show more content…
Jeffrey (1965) stated that concepts of the ‘learning theory has revolved around the concept of conditioning wherein behavio[u]r (responses) is related to the environment in which it occurs (stimuli)’. (Jeffrey: 1965: 294) He believed that learning criminal behaviour was a complex process which took place within close social groups. People essentially ‘bec[a]me criminals through intimate association with others who held social definitions favourable to the violation of laws’. (Valier: 2002:48) The members would learn not only the skills needed to commit a crime, but also the attitudes which promoted pro criminal behaviour which are ‘conducive to breaking the law’. (Hollin: 2002: …show more content…
Some hold more wealth or power than others and subsequently attain more opportunities to lead a legitimate lifestyle whereas others may not attain the same opportunities and so may turn to crime in order to sustain themselves. People are classed as anti-criminal or pro criminal depending on their beliefs and attitudes of what is defined as a crime within their society. Legally, a crime is an action which breaks an existing law. Some societies have different definitions as some may see crime as justifiable or even desirable to become an important figure within their community. This would promote pro criminal behaviour amongst its inhabitants. On the other hand, some societies believe that criminal behaviour is extremely undesirable and breaking the law is seen as outside of norms and values of that society. This is classed as anti-criminal behaviour and would promote non-criminal
Crime is a social fact that exists in all societies across the world, yet levels of intensity and frequency vary depending on geographical location. ‘Crime operates as a core concept in modern society’ (Morrison: 2013: 3) …show more content…
Jeffrey (1965) stated that concepts of the ‘learning theory has revolved around the concept of conditioning wherein behavio[u]r (responses) is related to the environment in which it occurs (stimuli)’. (Jeffrey: 1965: 294) He believed that learning criminal behaviour was a complex process which took place within close social groups. People essentially ‘bec[a]me criminals through intimate association with others who held social definitions favourable to the violation of laws’. (Valier: 2002:48) The members would learn not only the skills needed to commit a crime, but also the attitudes which promoted pro criminal behaviour which are ‘conducive to breaking the law’. (Hollin: 2002: …show more content…
Some hold more wealth or power than others and subsequently attain more opportunities to lead a legitimate lifestyle whereas others may not attain the same opportunities and so may turn to crime in order to sustain themselves. People are classed as anti-criminal or pro criminal depending on their beliefs and attitudes of what is defined as a crime within their society. Legally, a crime is an action which breaks an existing law. Some societies have different definitions as some may see crime as justifiable or even desirable to become an important figure within their community. This would promote pro criminal behaviour amongst its inhabitants. On the other hand, some societies believe that criminal behaviour is extremely undesirable and breaking the law is seen as outside of norms and values of that society. This is classed as anti-criminal behaviour and would promote non-criminal