Both human behavior and criminal activity can be defined through a number of sociological theories. Many of these criminology theories specifically aim to explain why human behavior and nature drive individuals to pursue criminal activity in a society which is primarily civilized. These go beyond the psychological and biological influences which many theories address and specifically document social issues which drive criminal activities. Each of these criminology theories can often be broken down further into sub cultural influences and familial attitudes which promote a continuation of criminal activities. This then links the human behavior to the desire to follow a specific group of individuals even if this does not reflect a tendency to function within the larger society. It is in these sociological theories that one is able to better identify human nature and the tendency to participate in criminal activities despite the added social concerns that these activities have such as victimization, and issues related to policing, the courts, and the correctional facilities.
One such theory is the structural explanation for criminal activity. This suggests that, through a somewhat Marxist approach to criminal activity, that because certain groups of people have less access to opportunities they have a greater difficulty in achieving their goals. A part of human nature is the desire to achieve these goals and therefore human behavior depicts this desire through whatever means are necessary. This may mean that a person begins robbing stores in order to provide for their families or that they may take up an illegal form of income such as drug dealing. This also explains a number of violent crimes as the individual or group of individuals may view specific targets as being the hindrance to their success. Regardless of the reality of this hindrance, the inequality of opportunity, in the decision making process of the group, is determined to be actual and in need of some form of retaliation or change.
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"Criminal Justice Overview".
Such a theory should be taken into consideration when the criminal justice system becomes involved. Police officers must recognize these groups and expect a higher level of criminal activities in areas of such concerns. However, even though this activity can be anticipated, the police officers must take great care to not profile the individuals to a point that would be misinterpreted as targeting. The court system must also recognize this theory as the “why” can often be as important as the “what” in relation to criminal activities. If punishment is meant as a means of deterring criminal activity, then understanding the “why” and working towards a solution to the social issue would also serve as such a deterrent. This would lessen the burden of the correctional facilities as well as make a positive impact on the community. This is not to suggest that an individual should be pardoned for the criminal activity but rather that their form of punishment should be aimed at being part of the solution to the problem. This may involve intensive community service and the need for supervision but it would not necessarily fall back on imprisonment for attempting to achieve basic goals in society.
Perhaps it is in the bigger picture that many of the social issues should be evaluated. Criminal activity does not just appear out of human nature but can be explained through human behavior and the social context of the individual. Theories which rely solely on legal aspects, psychological disorders, and biological connections often overlook the basic environment that the individual lives in as well as the issues that they face which may very well drive their behavior. Looking at these areas of concerns cannot undo what has been done but it can help to prevent future criminal activities.
