RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY

People act in their self-interest and make decisions to commit crime after weighing the potential risks against the rewards. 

SOCIAL DISORGANIZATION THEORY

A person’s physical and social environments are primarily responsible for the behavioral choices that person makes. 

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STRAIN THEORY

Most people have similar aspirations, but not the same opportunities. When people fail to achieve society’s expectations through approved means they may attempt to achieve success through crime. 

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

People develop motivation & skills to commit crime through the people they associate with. 

SOCIAL CONTROL THEORY

Most people would commit crime if not for the controls that society places on individuals (Ex: School). 

LABELING THEORY

People in power decide what acts are crimes. Once a person is labeled a criminal, society takes away their opportunities, which may ultimately lead to more criminal behavior. 

BIOLOGY, GENETICS

EVOlution THEORY

Poor diet, mental illness, bad brain chemistry, and even evolutionary rewards for aggressive criminal conduct cause criminal behavior.