The goal of
criminological theory is to help one gain an understating of crime and criminal justice. Theories cover the making and the breaking of the law, criminal and deviant behavior, as well as patterns of criminal activity. Individual theories may be either macro or micro.This briefing provides an overview of some of the key
criminological theories that seek to explain the causes of crime; it is by no means an exhaustive list. Each of the theories covered has its own strengths and weaknesses, has gaps and may only be applicable to certain types of crime, and not others. There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ theory.This briefing provides an overview of some of the key
criminological theories that seek to explain the causes of crime – however, this is not a complete list as there are numerous theories out there. Each theory has its strengths, weaknesses and gaps and may only be relevant for specific crimes or types of crimes.There are two main approaches to crime:
biological theories and sociological theories. Biological theories refer to those theories that are based on the biological aspects of the criminal, such as neurology, physical and mental health. Sociological theories refer to external factors that drive individuals to become criminals.
The Classical Theory believes that criminal actions are committed after an individual thinks about their actions. A criminal will only commit a crime if the result is to their advantage. The criminal is fully aware of the potential punishment, but has pursued the crime under their own free will.
In sociology
General strain theory (GST) is a theory of criminology developed by Robert Agnew.
General strain theory has gained a significant amount of academic attention since being developed in 1992.
Robert Agnew's general strain theory is considered to be a solid theory, has accumulated a significant amount of empirical evidence, and has also expanded its primary scope by offering explanations of phenomena outside of criminal behavior.
This theory is presented as a micro-level theory because it focuses more on a single person at a time rather than looking at the whole of society.
