Crime Theories (Essay Sample)

Crime Theories
Student’s Name
Institution
Crime Theories
Introduction
According to Holtfreter, Reisig, & Pratt (2008), there is an advancing field of evidence on what enables people to be exposed to issues of crime. On the other hand, a large number of intervention programs on criminal activities are founded on, at times or completely, one or two of theories suggested as the cause crime. Owing to this fact, still with putting focus on practical reactions, there is a need to understand the variety of theoretical accounts of crime and the scope they provide. This paper, intends to analyse self-control theory as a suggested cause of digital crime and further relate it to crime in general. The paper outlines why the theory chosen could be recognized as the most relevant in terms of being a cause of digital crime. The paper concludes with two examples of non-digital crimes that could be considered caused by this same theory.
Self-Control theory
Self-control is a theory that has been suggested to digital crime research. This theory was established by Travis Hirschi and Michael Gottfredson in the 1990s, A General Theory of Crime. It considers the causes of crime as an out of control action and that individuals respond to this coercion merely when they have a low self-control (Cullen & Agnew, 2006). In reference to their book, A General Theory of Crime, the authors illustrate the significant attributes that classify people with or lack of self-control (Hirschi, & Gottfredson, 1990). People with low-self control are irresponsible, insensible, material in place of mental, risk takers, thoughtless and non-verbal, and they will be inclined to take part in crime and corresponding actions (Hirschi, & Gottfredson, 1990). Individuals with attributes of low self-control are known to take part in abnormal actions since they desire to achieve burning fulfillment and pleasure. On the other hand, people with self control have the ability to slow down their burning fulfillment needs. These people are associated with certain positive attributes. These include the following. They are cautious, sentimental, vocal and thoughtful (Hirschi & Gottfredson, 1990). People with self-control know the outcomes of taking part in abnormal actions like crime in general and have the power to stop or slow down their fulfillment needs. Ultimately, individuals with low self-control have features that lead them to committing crime, like digital crime.
Self-Control Theory is a Cause for Digital Crime
This selected theory is the most applicable cause of digital crime. This is due to the fact that, digital platforms have elements that can lure many people to seeking gratification upon accessing vital information, for instance, access to crucial information and discrete data. Thus, it is only people with proper self-control that can slow down their desire to obtain crucial information or getting hold of private or classified information. In this regard, people with low self-control will always seek risky means and ways to commit crime in order to fulfill their desire for illegal access to information/material goods or classified data.
Examples of Non-digital Crimes Caused by Self-Control Theory
Robbery – This is one of the non-digital criminal activities suggested to be caused by self-control theory. According to Holtfreter, et al., (2008), many people who indulge in robbery activities are known to be suffering from low self-control. It is apparent that they end up stealing other people’s property for their own fulfillment without thinking about the possible risks and outcomes like imprisonment or inconvenience caused and suffering to the victim.
Murder – Murder is a capital offence associated with people with extremely low self-control or no self-control at all. The perpetrators of this crime are known to lead a thoughtless life where they value their own desires and wish for other people’s death, as long as they fulfill their own desires- monetary, power and influence...