Decoding Criminal Minds: A Historical Journey Through Criminological Theories

Baybay City, Philippines – July 14, 2025 – Understanding why people commit crimes has been a central question for centuries. Criminology, the scientific study of crime and criminals, has evolved over time, offering various theories to explain criminal behavior. WPS News takes a deep dive into some of the most prominent criminological theories, tracing their historical roots and exploring their ongoing influence.

The Pioneering Days: Biological Determinism (18th & 19th Centuries)

Cesare Lombroso, an Italian physician in the late 1800s, is considered the “father of criminology.” His Atavistic Theory proposed that criminals were “born criminals,” possessing physical characteristics like larger jaws and sloping foreheads, reflecting a throwback to a more primitive human form. While widely discredited today for its lack of scientific evidence and racist undertones, Lombroso’s work sparked the debate on biological factors influencing criminal behavior.

The Shift to Psychology and Society (Early 20th Century)

The pendulum swung towards psychology with the rise of Psychoanalytic Theory. Sigmund Freud’s work suggested unconscious conflicts, particularly unresolved Oedipal complexes, could lead to criminal behavior. However, critics pointed out the difficulty in empirically testing these ideas.

Meanwhile, Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist, introduced Social Disorganization Theory. He argued that crime stemmed from a breakdown of social norms and values, often occurring in rapidly changing or anomic societies. This theory laid the foundation for understanding the social context of crime.

The Behavioral Revolution (Mid-20th Century)

B.F. Skinner’s Operant Conditioning Theory introduced the concept of learning criminal behavior through rewards and punishments. This behaviorist approach emphasized the role of environment in shaping criminal choices. Similarly, the Social Learning Theory by Albert Bandura proposed that criminal behavior is learned through observation and imitation, particularly from role models who exhibit criminal tendencies.

The Rise of Rational Choice Theory (Late 20th Century)

Challenging the deterministic views, Rational Choice Theory argued that criminals are rational actors who weigh the costs and benefits of crime before committing an offense. This theory, associated with economists like Gary Becker, emphasized the importance of situational factors and opportunity in criminal decision-making.

Modern Perspectives: A Multifaceted Approach (21st Century)

Contemporary criminology adopts a more holistic approach. Biosocial Theories acknowledge the potential interaction between biological predispositions and environmental factors in shaping criminal behavior. Strain Theory, building on Durkheim’s ideas, suggests that social pressures and blocked opportunities can lead individuals to turn to crime.

Furthermore, Routine Activities Theory by Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson emphasizes the convergence of a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of capable guardians to explain criminal events.

The Future of Criminology: Looking Ahead

Criminology continues to evolve, incorporating new perspectives like feminist criminology, which examines gender’s role in crime, and environmental criminology, which explores the impact of physical surroundings on criminal activity. These advancements are crucial for developing effective crime prevention strategies and rehabilitation programs.

As the field progresses, understanding the multifaceted nature of crime – from biological to psychological and social influences – remains paramount. By delving into these criminological theories, we gain valuable insights into the “why” behind criminal behavior, paving the way for a safer future.