Running head: CJ-THEORIES 1
Criminal Theories
Landon Baker
Cameron University
CJ-THEORIES 2
Abstract
There has always been a thought to create theories as to why a person would commit a
crime or delinquency. This theory would provide reasons why a person would be involved in
crime. Criminal theories have transitioned and changed over time while some are still in use
others are not or have been modified. Theories like the labeling, rational choice, and social
learning theory show aspects of those who participate in crime. Also, that the environment
theory of my own making shows that people who are in an environment that does not harbor
growth and development of education and common moral values will have a higher chance of
being involved in crime. Also, examining these theories will show how people commit crime
and why they do so. Which will help create further understanding as to why people become
involved in crime.
CJ-THEORIES 3
Criminal Theories
Causes of criminal activity are numerous and varied. There have been numerous
philosophers and theorists that have studied what makes people engage in certain behaviors.
Ranging from the person had learned the behavior through others or the learning theory. Even
the rational choice theory shows that the person has had thoughts as to if the crime is worth
committing. Now bringing up the labeling theory shows that people who are labelled as a
delinquent or criminal may commit more crime due to being constantly labelled. This can
present problems in that the person who may not have been a serious criminal could become
more likely to act on violent behavior. Examining these theories from their history, transition,
and current use will provide a clear picture of what these theories were about. Rational choice,
labeling, learning, and environmental theory can be used to show how people commit criminal
behavior as well as why they do so.
First, Rational choice theory is the foundation for the belief that social and economic
factors have a part to play in criminal activity. This theory shows that a person is deliberately
making the decision to engage in a criminal behavior. These people wish to maximize their gain
or profit from the situation. This would be an example of the routine activity theory. Which
means these people will calculate the odds of them-selves being caught before acting on the
impulse. An example would be if a student began cheating on exams after seeing their instructor
never walked around the room. There are people that see a potential victim alone or they believe
is worth the risk and then proceed with the action. Potential victims could also be those that are
elderly, young, or people that look to be vulnerable at the time. “People do those things that lead
CJ-THEORIES 4
to rewards and they avoid whatever they are punished for. Reinforcement through rewards and
punishments — technically termed ‘conditioning’.” (Scott 8) Current use of this theory is used
through conditions such as a system of rewards and punishments. A punishment could be the
amount of time in prison a person would spend if they had committed a crime like theft. Where a
reward could be, the person being given parole. They would be rewarded with the chance to be
introduced back into society earlier. Rational choice theory has been the precursor for many
programs to prevent people from being sent to prison. Instead these people are given the chance
to be re-introduced into society. Where rational choice differs from the labeling theory is that the
potential offender will take time to determine if the act is worth the risks involved. In Contrast,
the rational choice theory would be different from the learning theory in the aspect that the
