Criminology is the study about various types of crimes and criminals. It is a subdivision of the vast subject of sociology and provides a detailed study about the crimes and why the individuals commit such social evils.
Studies present various reasons behind an individual turning into a criminal. It can be their environment that has pushed an individual towards crime, or there can be biological or psychological issues attached with the individual. (Schmalleger, 2012)
Talking about the three reasons in detail, environmental surroundings play an important role in many cases of individual, thus turning them into criminals. If a person is exposed to criminal activities since childhood and he lives in an environment where such activities are a routine, he will certainly develop such habits. For instance, if a person has friends who are drug abusers or intake alcohol; it is most likely that an individual will adopt the same habit. Peer pressure also forces individuals towards social evils. Mostly, individuals although knowing the side effects; commit crimes to fit in their family and social circle. (Schmalleger, 2012)
A psychologically disturbed individual is more prone towards crime and act of violence compared to a person with a balanced state of mind. When disappointment, anger or frustration takes over a person’s mind, he loses self-control and commits serious crimes. This frustration can be due to poor family life, unemployment, serious incidents of the past such as child abuse or sexual abuse. A mentally disturbed person finds peace by committing a crime as it hurts other people. Therefore, psychological influence can force a person to commit heinous crime and acts of violence. (Schmalleger, 2012)
Furthermore, criminology has presented vast studies regarding the biological factors that force an individual towards crime. Many individuals suffer from mental and physical inferiority that causes inability to follow the rules and result in criminal behavior. Moreover, chromosomal abnormalities, poor diet, neurological disorders and hormonal imbalance are a few variables, which may cause an individual to commit a crime. (Schmalleger, 2012)
According to me and my studies as a criminologist, environmental factors are a major reason behind turning an individual into criminal. Nowadays, the political and economic instability had created unrest in lives of many people and pushed them and their relatives towards dangerous crimes. Moreover, media has given high exposure to criminal activities and how people do crimes that have influenced the mind and environment of people a lot.
Reference
Schmalleger, F. (2012). Criminology today: an integrative introduction (6th ed.). Boston: Prentice Hall.
