White Collar Crime

Theoretical Perspectives of Criminal Behavior

Three broad theoretical models of criminal behavior have historically prevailed. These models include psychological models of criminality, sociological models of criminality, and biologically -- based models of criminal behavior. Each of these models suggests different ideologies and different methods of control for criminal behavior; however, there is quite a bit of overlap in each one.

Psychological Theories of Criminal Behavior

Psychology is a broad discipline that involves many subcategories. In general psychological theories of criminal behavior share several core fundamental assumptions (Mischel 1968). First, in psychological theories of behavior the primary unit of analysis is the individual. Secondly, psychological theories of behavior typically describe personality as the driving unit of behavior within people. Third, social consensus defines normal standards of behavior. Fourth, criminal behaviors result from aspects of the personality that are either dysfunctional, abnormal, or inappropriate. Criminal behaviors may address certain...
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