Integrated Theories
So far we have been discussing criminological theory of a specialized nature. The individuals and the theories we have addressed here have been classified as choice, conflict, labeling, control, positivist, or some other kind of theory. We have pointed out there are criticisms to most of these theories. One criticism is that they do not explain enough or all crime.
As a result, modern criminal theory has begun to integrate multiple ideas in order to answer more questions. Criminologists have created multi-factor theories that attempt to blend independent concepts into broader explanations of crime and criminality. This makes good sense, since there is no one theory that thus far has been able to account for and explain all crime the idea is that we would take the strengths of several theories and blend them together to accomplish more explanatory power.
There are two primary reasons for the growth of integrated theory. The first one is practicality. We now have large, extensive datasets that allow for the integration of theoretical crime oriented concepts. The second reason is substantive, and most important, single-factor theories only focus on who is a criminal and who is not. There is not much more depth to the analysis than that. The onset of criminality becomes the focal concern.
Integrated theories have helped shed new light on chronic or persistent offenders. Single-factor theories, as we have seen, have trouble explaining why only a select few people who are exposed to criminal influences actually end up committing crimes.
However, by integrating the ideas of social ecology, sociology, psychology, and biology, we can better address these issues.
Brief Overview of Integrated Theories
Integrated theories are generally divided into different groupings based on their approach to human development and change. here we have categorized them into two unique approaches:
1. Life-course
2. Latent Trait Theories
Life-Course Theory. This theory takes the approach that the propensity to commit crime is not so much stable throughout the life course but rather criminality is a developmental process. Life course theorists realize that as people mature, the factors that influence their behavior also changes. Criminality is a dynamic process with many influences impacting individuals throughout the life course. As people age and evolve throughout the life course they are constantly changing their perceptions and experiences which serve to shape and change the direction of their behavior, sometimes for the worse and sometimes for the better.
Latent Trait Theory was proposed by Rowe, Osgood, and Nicewander to explain crime over the life cycle. The idea being that a lot of people have a personal attribute or characteristic that controls the inclination to criminal behavior. Because latent traits are stable, just as biology is stable, offending over time is based on opportunities to commit crime and not on propensity, the propensity is stable. As people age through the life course this latent trait is always there and always a stable presence in the background, directing behavior and subsequently shaping the course of their lives. Some view latent trait theories as incorporating trait theory (personality and temper) and rational choice theory (opportunity and suitability of targets).