Describe social process theories of crime causation, including labeling theory and the life course perspective. What types of crime-control policies might be based on such theories?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Social process theories build on the premise that behavior (good or bad) is learned and suggest that bad behavior can be unlearned. Differential association theory explains crime as a natural consequence of the interaction with criminal lifestyles. Restraint theories primarily focus on why people do not break the law, supplying only half the causation formula. Labeling theory sees continued criminal activity as a consequence of limited opportunities for acceptable behavior. The life course perspective is an approach to explaining crime and deviance that investigates developments and turning points in one’s life course. Social process theories are attractive to policymakers today because they place the responsibility on the offender for actively participating in rehabilitation efforts and because they are consistent with popular cultural and religious values centered on teaching right from wrong. Crime control policies based on these theories emphasize programs to combat criminal activity before a subject has a chance to participate in such activity. For instance, there are many community programs that involve health and human services professionals in an effort to divert criminal activity from a young age.