UNIT 3
INTERDISCIPLINARY NATURE OF CRIMINOLOGY
CRIME AND CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR
SOCIOLOGICAL EXPLANATION
Crime and criminal behavior can be understood through various sociological perspectives that
analyze the social, cultural, economic, and psychological factors influencing individuals and
societies. Here are some sociological explanations for crime and criminal behavior:
Strain Theory:
Developed by Robert Merton, strain theory suggests that crime results from the gap between
societal goals (such as wealth and success) and the legitimate means available to achieve them.
When individuals cannot achieve success through legitimate avenues, they may turn to crime
as an alternative means.
Social Disorganization Theory:
This theory, associated with researchers like Shaw and McKay, focuses on the breakdown of
social institutions and community structures. Crime is seen as a result of weakened social
bonds, lack of community cohesion, and inadequate social control in economically
disadvantaged and socially marginalized neighborhoods.
Labeling Theory: Labeling theory, advanced by scholars like Howard Becker, posits that
individuals become criminals when labeled as such and stigmatized by society. Once labeled,
individuals may internalize this identity and engage in further deviant behavior, perpetuating a
cycle of crime.
Rational Choice Theory: Rational choice theory posits that individuals make decisions to
commit crimes based on a rational calculation of potential risks and rewards. It focuses on
situational factors that influence criminal behavior, such as opportunity, situational cues, and
perceived benefits versus costs.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPLANATION
Psychological explanations of crime and criminal behavior focus on individual factors such as
personality traits, cognitive processes, and psychological disorders that may contribute to
deviant or criminal actions.
1. Psychological Theories of Crime Causation:
Psychodynamic Theory: Developed by Freud and others, psychodynamic theories suggest that
criminal behavior may result from unresolved conflicts, unconscious desires, or early
childhood experiences that influence behavior later in life.
Behavioral Theory: Behavioral theories emphasize learning processes, reinforcement, and
conditioning. Criminal behavior is seen as learned through rewards for deviant actions or lack
of punishment for criminal acts.
Cognitive Theory: Cognitive theories focus on how thought processes, cognitive biases, and
decision-making skills influence criminal behavior. Individuals may engage in criminal acts
due to faulty reasoning, distorted perceptions, or irrational beliefs.
2. Personality and Traits:
Trait Theories: Trait theories suggest that certain personality traits and characteristics
predispose individuals to criminal behavior. For example, traits such as impulsivity, sensation-
seeking, low empathy, and aggression may increase the likelihood of engaging in criminal acts.
Psychopathy and Antisocial Personality Disorder: Individuals with psychopathic or antisocial
personality traits may exhibit persistent patterns of disregard for others' rights, deceitfulness,
impulsivity, and lack of remorse, which are associated with criminal behavior.
3. Psychological Disorders:
Mental Illness: Certain mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and
substance use disorders, may contribute to criminal behavior. Symptoms such as
hallucinations, delusions, impaired judgment, and substance-induced impairments can lead to
criminal acts.
4. Developmental Factors:
Early Childhood Experiences: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, abuse, neglect,
and dysfunctional family dynamics can contribute to the development of behavioral problems
and antisocial tendencies later in life.
Attachment Theory: Attachment theory suggests that insecure attachment styles, characterized
by poor bonding with caregivers during infancy and childhood, may lead to emotional
dysregulation, difficulty forming relationships, and antisocial behavior.
5. Environmental and Situational Factors:
Stress and Coping: Psychological stressors, such as financial difficulties, relationship conflicts,
or job loss, can increase vulnerability to criminal behavior as individuals may resort to illegal
means to cope with stress or perceived threats.
Peer Influence: Peer relationships and social networks can influence individuals to engage in
criminal activities through peer pressure, socialization into deviant subcultures, and
reinforcement of antisocial behaviors.
APPLICATION OF PSYCHOLOGY IN CRIME AND DELINQUENCY
The application of psychology in crime and delinquency involves using psychological theories,
principles, and interventions to understand, prevent, and address criminal behavior and juvenile
delinquency.
1. Understanding Criminal Behavior:
- Psychological Profiling: Forensic psychologists use behavioral analysis and personality
assessments to create profiles of offenders, aiding law enforcement in investigations and
suspect identification.
- Developmental Psychology: Examining developmental factors helps identify risk factors
for delinquency and understand how early experiences and environments contribute to criminal
behavior.
2. Assessment and Evaluation:
- Psychological Assessments: Psychologists conduct assessments to evaluate offenders'
mental health, personality traits, and cognitive functioning. These assessments inform court
decisions, treatment planning, and risk management.
- Risk Assessment: Psychologists develop tools to assess the likelihood of recidivism and
identify factors that contribute to criminal behavior, helping to tailor interventions and
monitoring strategies.
3. Intervention and Treatment:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is widely used to address criminal behavior by
targeting distorted thinking patterns, improving decision-making skills, and promoting pro-
social behaviors.
- Anger Management and Emotion Regulation: Programs focus on teaching offenders coping
skills to manage anger, regulate emotions, and reduce impulsivity, thereby decreasing the
likelihood of violent behavior.
4. Prevention and Rehabilitation:
- Early Intervention Programs: Psychological principles inform prevention programs
targeting at-risk youth by promoting positive social skills, conflict resolution, and academic
achievement to prevent delinquency.
- Rehabilitation Programs: In correctional settings, psychologists design programs addressing
offenders' educational, vocational, and mental health needs to facilitate rehabilitation and
reduce recidivism rates.
APPLICATION OF PSYCHOLOGY IN CJS
In the context of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) in India, psychology plays a significant
role across various aspects, including understanding criminal behavior, assessing defendants,
providing interventions, supporting victims, and contributing to policy development.
1. Understanding Criminal Behavior:
- Psychological Profiling: Forensic psychologists use behavioral analysis and psychological
assessments to create profiles of offenders, aiding law enforcement agencies in investigations
and suspect identification.
- Developmental Psychology: Psychological theories help in understanding how early
experiences, family dynamics, and socio-economic factors influence criminal behavior and
juvenile delinquency in the Indian context.
2. Assessment and Evaluation:
- Psychological Assessments: Psychologists conduct assessments to evaluate defendants'
mental health, competency to stand trial, and risk of recidivism. These assessments inform legal
decisions and treatment planning within the Indian judicial system.
- Risk Assessment: Psychologists develop and apply risk assessment tools to predict the
likelihood of future criminal behavior, which assists in sentencing, probation, and parole
decisions in Indian courts.
3. Intervention and Treatment:
- Therapeutic Interventions: Psychologists provide therapy and counseling to offenders in
Indian correctional facilities to address issues such as substance abuse, anger management, and
trauma, aiming to reduce recidivism rates.
- Behavioral Interventions: Evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(CBT) are utilized to modify criminal thinking patterns and promote pro-social behaviors
among offenders within the Indian CJS.
4. Victim Services and Support:
- Victim Advocacy: Psychologists play a role in providing support and counseling services
to victims of crime in India, addressing their emotional and psychological needs during legal
proceedings and beyond.
- Witness Support: Psychologists assist witnesses, especially vulnerable individuals, by
preparing them for testimony in court, ensuring they can effectively communicate their
experiences and reducing the trauma associated with the legal process.
5. Forensic Psychology and Legal Proceedings:
- Expert Testimony: Forensic psychologists provide expert testimony in Indian courts on
matters related to mental health, psychological assessments, and behavioral analysis, aiding
judges and juries in understanding complex psychological issues relevant to legal cases.
- Competency Evaluations: Psychologists conduct competency evaluations to assess
defendants' understanding of legal proceedings and their ability to assist in their defense,
contributing to fair and just legal outcomes in India.
6. Research and Policy Development:
- Evidence-Based Practices: Psychological research informs evidence-based practices within
the Indian CJS, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and rehabilitation programs aimed
at reducing crime rates and improving outcomes for offenders.
- Policy Recommendations: Psychologists contribute to developing policies and reforms
based on empirical research findings to enhance the efficiency, fairness, and effectiveness of
the criminal justice system in India, addressing societal needs and advancing justice.
