Criminal Behavior Prevailing Psychological Theories Term Paper

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Sociological theories of criminal behavior do not discount individual-level learning but focus more on the surrounding culture and environment. To explain criminal behavior, sociologists usually center on conflict theories, strain theories, labeling theories, and social control theories. Conflict theories have their roots in Marxist philosophy. They reveal how class conflict can create impetus for deviance and also lead to general anomie. Strain theory similarly suggests that criminal behavior can result from a gap between socially sanctioned goals and an individual's ability to achieve those goals in normative ways. These theories generally explain the greater prevalence of crime among socially disadvantaged groups. Social disorganization theory also takes into account the tendency for criminal behavior to arise in communities that lack structure and cohesion due to anomie. Social control theorists postulate that an individual's acceptance of and commitment to prevailing social institutions will diminish criminal behavior; the desire to conform overrides any desire to deviate.

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Finally, labeling theories show how individuals react to the "criminal" or "deviant" label, living up to the image others have of them as criminals.

Any effective prison rehabilitation program must value all psychological and sociological theories. An ideal program would be rooted in social strain and conflict theories to allow persons from underprivileged backgrounds to channel strain and frustration into constructive channels. Similarly, a rehabilitation program should eliminate the devastating effects of labeling by providing positive outlets for personal, social, and vocational development. Psychological counseling and support will also help inmates address their needs for social acceptance, helping individuals form more constructive relationships. Ultimately, rehabilitation depends on adequate social organization and social control mechanisms: institutions and community infrastructures that prevent anomie and lawlessness......

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