Criminals are made, not born. Critically discuss this statement - Essay Example

In this paper will be discussed why a person would commit a crime, and why a person would need both a sociological determinism and a biological determinism. Biological determinism would include an extra Y chromosome. The normal man is born with only XY chromosomes. Some men are born with XYY chromosomes. Having an XYY chromosome means a man is more aggressive, when a man is more aggressive a man may sometimes commit a crime. Aggressive men commit aggressive crimes. Men with an extra Y chromosome will most often commit crimes like rape, and other violent crimes.

This theory is generally accepted. However, it has been determined through conclusive evidence that some men who commit violently, and aggressive crimes like rape do not necessarily have an extra Y chromosome. So if men who commit violent crimes do not all have an extra Y chromosome there must be other determinants in what makes people commit a violent crime. There are also women who commit crime. Women do not have an extra Y chromosome. Some women also commit violent crimes. Therefore, one might need to look at the Chicago school theory.

The Chicago school theory of why a person commits crime is one that focuses on a person societal environment. This theory focuses on people committing crime because of the environment they live in. The Chicago school adopts many other theories like the strain theory. The strain theory is a theory that says people commit crimes because these criminals are under strain. The strain can come from a number of sources. Strain can come from breaking up with one’s boyfriend, or girlfriend. Financial strain can come from the environment in which one lives.

This is how the strain theory incorporates into the Chicago school theory. The Chicago school theory states that one would commit a crime because of financial strain induced by the environment one lives. Is this possible? Do people commit white-collar crimes, financial crimes, violent crime, and other blue collar crimes due to strain? The labeling theory is one of the most generally accepted theories in criminology. The labeling theory states that one develops deviant behavior because one is often told that one is a juvenile delinquent.

The labeling theory states that once someone has a label, it is difficult to get rid of the label. One can also develop deviant behavior because of other labeling. Labeling theory states that many develop deviant behavior, because these people are labeled lazy and delinquent. Many who have been labeled as deviant, and delinquent will often seek the advice, and guidance from other deviant, and delinquent people. Some of these deviant, and delinquent people will be those of gang members. One might think someone with a label of deviant, and delinquent may want to shed that label.

However, it appears many do not shed the label. Many are not interested in shedding the label. Many will conform to what society expects them to conform to. When one thinks that someone is not interested in shedding the label that has them placed upon them one might think that would be impossible. Many people with a label have a difficult time finding a job. Many who are labeled will often commit further crime to meet financial needs. In committing further crime to meet financial needs cuts of a label one cannot find legitimate work.

When one cannot get find legitimate