Towards an Integrated Theory of Criminal Behavior (From Theoretical Integration in the Study of Deviance and Crime: Problems and Prospects, P 119-127, 1989, Steven F Messner, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-118940)

• NCJ Number: 118945
• Author(s): C F Wellford
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 19 pages
• Sale Source: California Correctional Peace Officers Assoc
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This chapter addresses some of the preconditions for the formulation of powerful integrated theories of criminal behavior.

Abstract

Three categories of explanations of criminal behavior have dominated criminology at different historical periods: limited-factor reductionism (a focus on one aspect of the criminal as an explanation of criminal behavior), multiple-factor approaches (identification of a variety of factors related to criminal behavior), and systemic reductionism (criminal behavior explained in terms of a particular system of knowledge, e.g., sociology). All of these approaches fail to be sufficiently comprehensive to encompass the multiplicity of factors contributing to criminal behavior. Any integrated theory of criminal behavior must be interdisciplinary. Such an integrated theory would cover the following knowledge domains: cultural, social, personality, and biophysical. Such an approach requires moving from the current focus on sociological explanations of criminal behavior to an increased emphasis on psychological and biophysical factors. 1 figure.