What are most criminological theories based on and why?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Most criminological theories are based on a sociological theories and not on individual traits, like biology or psychological. Most theories are based on the idea that sociological factors are a determining factor when it comes to committing crime. Criminal activity comes from experiences, education or lack of education, opportunities or lack of opportunities, and external societal factors. Under the labeling method when a person is labeled a criminal, whether true or not, they will act in a criminal way or under the differential association theory where people who associate with criminals will become criminals themselves. All these theories take into consideration that criminals are goal-orientated people who offend based on their position in society. This view of societal influences does not disregard personal choice or conscience but focuses on experiences that the offender has had in their lives and breaks down why a person will act this way. The general theory of crime is that an individual lacks self-control, and will commit a crime, and this very well be true. These theories look to see how that individual ended up not having that self-control. Was it lack of parents? The group of friends they had. The failed opportunities for education or employment? Was it where they grew up? All of these life-course theories reflect the sociological view of criminality. Life-course sociological theories and general crime theories are becoming more popular and easier to establish data points on. Once these data points are established, it becomes easier to track, to aggregate, and to use in making predictions on trends to help law enforcement protect a community.