Individualistic evaluations

Question 1

Freud’s theory

Answer 1

Pro’s:
Considers early childhood experiences, it highlights how unresolved unconscious conflict and trauma can influence behaviour.
Explains hidden motives for crime, like impulsive violence, shows that crimes can be from repressed emotions rather than rational decisions.
Con’s:
Lack of scientific credibility, the unconscious mind is difficult to test.
Relies on a small number of case studies.

Question 2

Maternal deprivation

Answer 2

Pro’s:
Research support.
Highlights the importance of early attachment and how experiences in childhood can affect how a person thinks and acts.
Con’s:
Many people become criminals without going through this.
Other factors could explain the link between prolonged separation and criminality e.g. poverty and abuse.

Question 3

Eysenck’s personality theory

Answer 3

Pro’s:
Research support and biological evidence.
Explains why some people are more prone to crime.
Con’s:
Ignores environmental influences, personality alone may not explain why someone turns to crime.
Inconsistent evidence, not all studies support this idea.

Question 4

Social learning theory

Answer 4

Pro’s:
Research support.
Explains why crime rate is different in different areas, bad area=more crime.
Con’s:
Ignores biological factors, children may imitate parents behaviour due to genetics.
Does not explain random/spontaneous crime, some people commit crimes even when they are not around it.

Question 5

Differential association

Answer 5

Pro’s:
Recognizes the importance of peer influence, explains why crime runs in families and is higher in certain areas.
Accounts for non violent crimes such as white collar crimes.
Con’s:
Does not account for the people who are around crime but do not get involved.
Ignores biological factors on why people may commit crimes.