Criminal behaviour : causes and factors

Abstract

One of the proverbial ten thousand dollar question is: Are we able to identify potential criminals and therefore predict and prevent criminal behaviour? in trying to attempt an answer as to what are the causes and factors vis-à-vis criminal behaviour we ha veto lean heavily on Sociology, Psychiatry and Social Psychology. Sociology helps to visualise the trends and distribution of crime; psychiatry gives an insight into how and why certain individuals commit crimes; whilst social psychology helps us to understand and coordinate the sociological and psychiatric findings. This article takes a look at these interconnected crime and criminality factors utilising the three disciplines mentioned. However, we must bear in mind that crime has a way of feeding upon change, reappearing in new forms as old forms fade, thus battening on the characteristics of any society. This is most aptly described by Tarde's aphorism that "the individual bestirs himself, society sweeps him along''.