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Criminology Theories
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Introduction
Criminology theories enable individuals to understand criminal behaviors, criminal
justice, and crimes. The theories explore various situations and attribute that force people to
indulge in criminal activities. Understanding reasons for indulgence in criminal acts enable
criminologists to develop criminal rehabilitation and crime control programs. Important
criminology theories that guide intervention programs against crime in societies include Cesare
Lombroso's atavism, rational choice, deterrence, and routine activities theories.
Routine Activities Theories
The paradoxical social issue witnessed in the 1960s serves as a crucial evidence base for
the routine activities theory. Cohen and Felson (1979) observe that the period was characterized
by an increased crime rate regardless of the US’s economic improvement. The 1960s
corresponded with the improved economic and social condition in the post-World War II the US.
The nation experienced reduced unemployment rates, increased median income, and reduced
illiteracy levels in this period. Concurrently, criminal behaviors like homicide, forcible rape,
aggravated assault, and robbery increased by 188 percent, 174 percent, 164 percent, and 263
percent, respectively (Cohen & Felson, 1979). The paradoxical increase in crime rates within the
US society represents routine activities in human life.
The routine activities theory indicates that structural variation in routine activities can
affect crime rates in societies. The theory indicates that crime occurs when three elements
converge in time and space, namely capable guardians’ absence, suitable targets, and motivated
offenders. The theory indicates that convergence of addressing any of these elements supports
professionals in reducing crime rates. However, crimes can still happen when two of these
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elements converge in time and space. For instance, crimes happen when suitable targets
converge with capable guardians’ absence in the absence of offenders’ motivation. Interaction
between these elements explains the ironic situation where crimes happen when individuals in
society have multiple benefits to enjoy. In this regard, possessing money and assets makes
citizens highly susceptible to theft within societies.
The routine activities theory utilizes a similar concept to rational choice and deterrence
theories in explaining crimes’ occurrence in societies. The three criminology theories indicate
that humans rely on rational calculations when making rational decisions. The theories are
founded on the idea that offenders target vulnerable individuals in society (Cohen & Felson,
1979). For instance, the routine activities theory indicates that possessing wealth and properties
can make people vulnerable to intentional theft. The rational choice theory indicates that
offenders make rational decisions and choices that suit their interests. The deterrence theory
indicates that punishment discourages individuals from indulging in criminal activities.
Cesare Lombroso's Atavism Theory
Cesare Lombroso's atavism theory indicates that criminal behaviors are hereditary
characteristics in individuals. The theory is founded on the idea that people are born with
criminal instincts. According to Lombroso, criminals have distinct physical anomalies from non-
criminals. The theorist indicates that criminals have physical anomalies like protruding lips,
abnormal noses, eye defects, unusual ears, abnormal skull formation, receding chin, extra fingers
and toes, and excessive wrinkles. Lombroso observes that criminals also have physical anomalies
like prominent canine teeth, limited facial hair, sloping shoulders, and pointy fingers (Lombroso-
Ferrero, 2019). The individuals also develop interests in tattoos, drawings, graffiti, and unusual
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letters associated with gangs or criminals. Therefore, Lombroso argues that criminal behaviors
result from genetically inherited characteristics rather than rational decisions.
Notably, Lombroso's ideas regarding intervention against criminal behaviors differ from
those presented by classical criminologists (Bentham and Beccaria). Bentham and Beccaria
indicate that criminals should be punished through imprisonment. Classical criminologists argue
that retributive justice suits situations where people commit crimes based on rational decisions
(Lombroso-Ferrero, 2019). The criminologists feel that incarcerating offenders facilitates their
removal from societies, which facilitates the protection of vulnerable individuals. On the other
hand, Lombroso believes that criminal behaviors are not rational hence do not deserve retributive
justice. Instead, Lombroso feels that rehabilitation should be utilized in addressing crimes in
societies considering that “born criminals” commit crimes involuntarily.
Conclusion
Criminology theories support criminologists in eradicating crimes from societies. The
routine activity theory indicates that criminals target vulnerable individuals in societies to satisfy
their needs. The rationality of decisions makes the routine activity theory similar to rational
choice and deterrence theories. Cesare Lombroso's atavism theory indicates that criminal
behaviors are hereditary and involuntary human traits. Hence, Lombroso recommends a
rehabilitation strategy for criminals rather than retributive justice advocated by classical
criminologists.
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References
Cohen, L. E., & Felson, M. (1979). Social change and crime rate trends: A routine activity
approach. American Sociological Review, 44(4), 588. https://doi.org/10.2307/2094589
Lombroso-Ferrero, G. (2019). Criminal man, according to the classification of Cesare
Lombroso.
Glasgow: Good Press.
