Causation of Crime

When it comes to comparing and contrasting the biological and psychological trait theories with the social process theories there are several similarities as well as differences. Some of these similarities are family influence, criminal behavior, treatment, and labeling. The differences include, once again, treatments, society’s labeling, and power to control.

When comparing the two theories, family influence is part of the psychological and social development of an individual. Behavioral patterns begin during infancy when family members influence how an individual is psychologically, which includes any form of abuse. Socially, families can influence by becoming the “teacher” of crime and showing them how to commit crimes. Criminal behavior becomes similar in both theories. This behavior is either attained genetically or socially. Criminal behavior can be genetically passed down through some psychological disorder like schitzofrenia. Socially, criminal behavior is passed down and learned by observation of family crimes, like child abuse. Treatment is a similarity for both theories. Although there are different forms, treatment is offered in both cases. Labeling of individuals exists in both theories. Although treatment and labeling are two similarities, they can also be differences in both theories.

Treatments in biological and psychological trait theories can be quite a contrast to the social contrast theories. Biological and psychological treatments would include medical intervention and/or the involvement of a psychiatrist. Social treatment would include involvement of a therapist. Although similarly labeled in both theories, there is a big contrast as to how that labeling is administered. Those in a biological and psychological theory will receive more understanding from society, for they are seen as unable to help there condition because “it is in their genes.” These individuals would most likely receive a lighter punishment or sentence as opposed to other criminals. Those individuals in the social process theory, who will be labeled as delinquents or criminals, will most likely receive a harsh punishment or sentence and most likely that label will remain with them for the remainder of their lives. The power to control involvement in crime well differs in both theories. Biologically and psychologically, an individual has no control, that person’s illness controls them. They have no conscious of their actions. Socially, an individual has the choice to surround themselves with positive influences; they have control of their choices.

The relationship between the biological and psychological trait theory and the age and crime trend shows that biologically, the development of young adults tends to leave room for little self-control when it comes to crime. Hormonal imbalance can lead to irrational thinking and weaken ones resistance to choose rational thinking. Young adults are more psychologically influenced by peers and family history.

The state of California statistics show that juveniles and young adults do play a large role in crimes that are committed. The youth and young adults make up 75 percent of those who commit homicide in California. Of those 75 percent, 20 percent rage from the age of 11 to 17 years old. California’s juvenile arrest rate is higher than the national average. California’s rate has reached approximately 9,000 while the national average has only reached approximately 1,900. California’s juvenile arrest rate exceeds that for most large states. Approximately 150,000 juveniles, annually, committed a violent crime, 120,000 juveniles were arrested for drug abuse, 100,000 juveniles committed a property crime, and approximately 15,000 juveniles have committed other types of crimes.