- Question
What are theories of deviance and crime?
The reasons that crime and delinquent behavior exists in society has always perplexed sociologists and psychologists alike. The theories for why this behavior exists ranges from placing the blame on society, to the individual.
Crime is caused by society
This position holds that crime is caused chiefly by society rather than the individual. It argues that societal attitudes, class differences and social pressure produce and define crime — drawing on the strain, labelling and conflict theories of deviance.
Crime is caused by the individual
This position holds that crime is caused chiefly by the individual rather than society. While allowing that social conditions play a part, it locates the true cause in a person's own experiences and biology — drawing on psychodynamic, behavioural and biological theories of crime.