Criminal Theory

There are many theories on crime, some valid, others questionable. Many are valid and in some cases several different theories may blend together to help explain crime. Many theories can be seen as interrelated in trying to explain certain types of crime and the reasons why certain types of people may commit a criminal act. Some of these theories are social learning theory, lack of social learning, heredity, rational choice, economic factors, and opportunity theory. Many other theories are certainly valid as well.

Criminal personalities can be learned. Edwin H. Sutherland, a criminologist, proposed that criminality is not inherited, it is learned. Ronald L. Akers developed Sutherland's theories into the social learning theory. Akers argues that "criminal behavior is learned. However, the way it is learned, is through direct operant conditioning, and imitation or modeling of others" (Curran & Renzetti, 2001 p. 143). Imitation or modeling can play a big part in whether or not a person is likely to commit a crime.
"A number of factors influence the modeling process. For instance, one tends to imitate those one likes, respects, or admires. Imitation is also more likely if the observer sees the model being reinforced, if the model displays pleasure or enjoyment, or if imitating the model in itself is being rewarded. An observer, though, may do the reverse or opposite of what a model does if he or she dislikes the model, sees the model punished, or if imitation of the model is being punished" (Curran & Renzetti, 2001 p. 114).

If a person grows up in an environment that encourages or blatantly shows crime as a viable way of life, then certainly that person is going to be more likely to also lead a life of crime. On the other hand, if a person sees deviant behavior being reinforced with punishment rather than reward then a person may learn that deviant behavior will not get them what they want and they may not engage in criminal activity.