General Theory of Crime

Definition

The General Theory of Crime is a criminological framework that suggests that criminal behavior is primarily a result of low self-control and an individual's propensity to engage in risk-taking behavior. This theory connects individual traits with societal influences, suggesting that both nature and nurture play significant roles in the development of criminality. It emphasizes the importance of self-control as a predictor of various criminal acts and integrates psychological aspects with sociological factors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The General Theory of Crime was developed by criminologists Travis Hirschi and Michael Gottfredson in the early 1990s, emphasizing the role of self-control across different types of crime.
2. According to this theory, low self-control is often a result of ineffective parenting practices and societal influences during childhood.
3. The theory posits that individuals with low self-control are not only more likely to commit crimes but also tend to engage in various forms of deviant behavior, including substance abuse and risky activities.
4. It highlights the significance of early intervention and education in promoting self-control as a means to reduce criminal behavior.
5. The General Theory of Crime is often critiqued for its focus on individual traits, potentially overlooking broader structural factors that influence criminality, such as socioeconomic conditions.

Review Questions

• How does the General Theory of Crime connect low self-control with the likelihood of committing various types of crime?
  • The General Theory of Crime asserts that low self-control is a primary factor in determining an individual's propensity for criminal behavior. Individuals with low self-control often seek immediate gratification without considering the long-term consequences of their actions. This impulsivity can lead them to commit a range of offenses, from minor acts of delinquency to serious crimes, as they tend to engage in risky behaviors without restraint.
• Discuss the implications of the General Theory of Crime on parenting and its role in crime prevention.
  • The General Theory of Crime suggests that effective parenting is crucial in fostering self-control during childhood. Parents who practice consistent discipline, provide guidance, and engage with their children are likely to promote higher levels of self-control. This, in turn, can reduce the likelihood of their children engaging in criminal behavior later in life. Thus, it highlights the need for parenting programs and interventions aimed at enhancing parental skills as a strategy for crime prevention.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the General Theory of Crime in explaining criminal behavior within contemporary society.
  • The General Theory of Crime effectively emphasizes the role of individual traits like self-control in understanding criminal behavior, offering valuable insights into prevention strategies. However, its focus on personal attributes may downplay broader societal influences such as economic conditions, peer pressure, and community structures that also contribute to crime. Additionally, critics argue that it might not adequately explain why some individuals with similar levels of self-control do not engage in criminal activities, indicating a need for more integrated approaches that consider both individual psychology and social context.

Related terms

Self-Control Theory: A theory proposing that individuals with low self-control are more likely to engage in criminal behavior due to their inability to resist immediate gratification.

Routine Activities Theory: A perspective suggesting that crime occurs when a motivated offender encounters a suitable target without capable guardianship, emphasizing situational factors.

Strain Theory: A theory positing that societal pressures and the gap between aspirations and actual achievements can lead individuals to engage in deviant behavior as a coping mechanism.