// Criminological approach
Sociological theories of crime: process and control
Learning, social bonds and the power of labels. The 17 theories of the sociological: process and control approach, illustrated with pop-culture villains and explained with rigor.
17 theories17 with a case file
08Crime as a TradeFor some, crime is not a slip but a trade, with an apprenticeship, codes, mentors and reputation. Sutherland portrayed it in the professional thief.Thomas Crown · The Thomas Crown Affair55Differential Association TheoryCrime is learned like a trade: bad company that teaches you not only the techniques, but the excuses to keep from feeling bad.Henry Hill · Goodfellas56Differential Identification TheoryYou don't need a flesh-and-blood criminal mentor: sometimes it's enough to want to be like the gangster you admire on screen.Rupert Pupkin · The King of Comedy57Differential Reinforcement TheoryIf your crew cheers every misdeed, crime becomes addictive. We learn to offend because of the social rewards it hands out.Christopher Moltisanti · The Sopranos58Neutralization Theory"He had it coming," "I didn't really hurt him," "everyone does it": the excuses anyone uses to silence their conscience before acting.Tom Ripley · The Talented Mr. Ripley59Social Bond TheoryThe question isn't why some offend, but why most don't. The answer: everything you have to lose.Dexter Morgan · Dexter60Low Self-Control TheoryAlmost everything is decided before age eight: those who don't learn to restrain themselves as children crash into everything in their path as adults.Eric Cartman · South Park61Labeling TheoryCall someone a "criminal" long enough and they'll end up believing you. The label doesn't describe the deviant: it creates him.Light Yagami · Death Note62Primary and Secondary DevianceThe first crime is almost an accident. The problem begins afterward, when punishment convinces you that you're already "one of the bad ones."Sweeney Todd · Sweeney Todd63Reintegrative ShamingShame the act, not the person. The fine line between a punishment that welcomes you back and one that casts you out forever.Jaime Lannister · Game of Thrones64Defiance TheoryWhen punishment feels unjust, it doesn't correct: it enrages. Some leave prison prouder and more dangerous than when they went in.Edmond Dantès · The Count of Monte Cristo65Containment TheoryWe all feel the push toward crime. What holds us back is an inner wall—self-esteem—and an outer one—those who love us.Anakin Skywalker · Star Wars66Stigma TheoryOnce marked, you carry the label everywhere. How to survive with an identity "spoiled" in the eyes of the "normal."Erik · The Phantom of the Opera67Differential Anticipation TheoryYou offend based on what you expect to gain or lose. It's not the past that drives you, but the story you spin about the future.Frank Sheeran · The Irishman68Deficient Socialization TheoryWhen family and school fail to teach the basics—respect, limits—the street takes their place as teacher.Jack Merridew · Lord of the Flies69Positive Deviance TheoryNot every breaking of the rules is bad: sometimes the one who disobeys—the rebel, the dissident—pushes society forward.V · V for Vendetta104White-Collar CrimeCrime wears a tie too: fraud and bribery committed from the office, settled with a fine and almost never with prison.Sr. Potter · It's a Wonderful Life
Frequently asked questions
What are sociological theories of crime: process and control?
Learning, social bonds and the power of labels. They bring together 17 criminological theories, 17 of them with a full case file on KRIMINIS.
Which theories does the sociological: process and control approach include?
Crime as a Trade, Differential Association Theory, Differential Identification Theory, Differential Reinforcement Theory, Neutralization Theory, Social Bond Theory, Low Self-Control Theory, Labeling Theory, Primary and Secondary Deviance, Reintegrative Shaming…