The nature of existence and development of criminal behavior is a hotly researched topic in criminology which has attracted extensive scholarly interest and led to the development of an array of theoretical perspectives. These include the general theory of crime, the strain theory, the differential differentiation theory among others. In the delinquency and crime research journal by Stephen Baron, specific theoretical points stand out.
First, is the argument about self-control's primary role in the development of crime. In their book on the general theory of crime, the proponents of this perspective point that individuals who lack self-control are prone to impulsivity, short-sightedness, insensitivity, risk-taking and low tolerance to frustrations which are prerequisites to criminal engagement (Baron, 2003). The theory further points that low self-control negatively influences success rates through social institutions and effectiveness of social controls which leads to social failure and criminality. Moreover the lack of restraint is linked to imprudent behaviors and fundamental life outcomes which are analogous to crime.
Evidently, this perspective is empirically sound in its association of self-control to imprudent behaviors. However, the lack of extensive sampling through its restricted utilization of conventional populations limits the theoretical point's credibility in the generalization of offending populations. Additionally, the spurious relationship between crime and the social consequences of low self-esteem is a matter of concern which limits this theoretical explanation of the relationship between crime and these social consequences.
Secondly, the theoretical assertion by opponents of strain theory in relation to these social consequences points to the fact that expectations and aspiration forces cannot be motivators of potential delinquency as provided in perspective (Baron, 2003). Accordingly, delinquents are not seen as 'future oriented' and as such cannot be motivated into criminality by their long-term prospects. Also, an apparent lack of empirical association between social class and crime strengthens the critique. Therefore, the economic failure is observed as a consequence of low self-control and its accruing repercussions. Alternatively, the effects of relative deprivation are emphasized as contributors to crime as opposed to absolute deprivation and gaps in expectations.
Thirdly, the theoretical point on the relation between the differential association and the social consequences is discussed in connection to self-control. According to this perspective, some factors directly affect criminal behavior and thus are significant associates of drug use and crime (Baron, 2003). The research further points out that despite the prime role of social-control in predicting crime and drug use, specific social factors independently impact drug use and criminal behavior according to social learning theory. Therefore, although social-control is a significant predictor of crime, other perspectives in differential association theory, general strain theory, and classic strain theory are essential in promoting criminological understanding.
Above all, the most interesting concepts from the article are the interrelatedness of theoretical perspectives of explaining deviant behavior and drug use. Every point of view is associated with different merits and demerits which can only be fundamentally addressed through considerations from another theory (Baron, 2003). For instance, in the prediction of drug use and total crime, social learning and self-control are concurrently pivotal. Also, the strain of absolute poverty and basic needs can independently influence criminal behavior despite the self-control statuses and as such is complemental to the understanding of criminology. Therefore, it is essential that going forward; research should be holistically conclusive through accommodating a variety of theories and sample populations to provide better research on crime and drug use.
References
Baron, S. W. (2003). Self-control, social consequences, and criminal behavior: Street
youth and the general theory of crime. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 40, 403–425. Retrieved February 28, 2018, from Sage Online database.
