Individualistic School of Criminal Behavior:

The Individualistic School of Criminal Behavior focuses on the study of

crime at the level of the individual, emphasizing personal characteristics,
psychological factors, and choices made by the offender. This
perspective assumes that criminal behavior is a result of individual traits
rather than external factors. Some characteristics associated with this
school include:
1. Free Will and Rational Choice: Individuals are seen as rational
actors who make choices based on their free will. Criminal
behavior is seen as a result of a rational decision-making process.
2. Psychological Factors: This approach considers individual
psychological traits, such as personality disorders, mental illnesses,
or abnormal psychological conditions, as contributors to criminal
behavior.
3. Focus on Offender's Background: The emphasis is on the
offender's personal history, experiences, and unique circumstances
that may have contributed to criminal behavior.
American Development of the Individualistic School:
In the United States, the Individualistic School gained prominence
during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was influenced by the
positivist school, which sought to apply scientific methods to the study
of crime. American criminologists like Cesare Lombroso, Enrico Ferri,
and Raffaele Garofalo contributed significantly to shaping the
Individualistic School's ideas.
Tentative Theory of Criminal Behavior:
The tentative theory of criminal behavior posits that individuals engage
in criminal activities due to temporary conditions such as emotional
distress, financial problems, or peer pressure. This theory suggests that
criminal behavior is not necessarily a permanent trait but a response to
specific situations.
Hereditary Theory of Criminal Behavior:
The hereditary theory suggests that criminal tendencies may be inherited
through genetics. This perspective argues that certain individuals are
born with a predisposition toward criminal behavior due to their genetic
makeup.
Environmental Theories:
1. Imitation Theory: This theory suggests that individuals may
engage in criminal behavior by imitating the actions of others,
particularly those they perceive as role models or individuals with
social status.
2. Social Disintegration Theory: Crime is viewed as a result of
societal breakdown and disintegration. Factors such as poverty,
lack of social cohesion, and breakdown of traditional values are
believed to contribute to criminal behavior.
Social Institutions and Crime Causation:
1. Family: Dysfunctional families or those with a history of
criminality may contribute to the development of criminal behavior
in individuals.
2. Caste and Religion: Socioeconomic and cultural factors,
including caste and religious influences, may play a role in shaping
an individual's likelihood of engaging in criminal activities.
Economic School of Criminal Behavior:
This perspective suggests that economic factors, such as poverty,
unemployment, and inequality, contribute significantly to criminal
behavior. Individuals facing economic hardships may turn to crime as a
means of survival or to improve their circumstances.
Media and Crime:
The media is considered a significant influence on criminal behavior.
Exposure to violent or criminal content in media may desensitize
individuals and contribute to the normalization of deviant behavior.
Social Control Theory:
Social control theory focuses on the mechanisms society uses to control
and regulate individuals, emphasizing the importance of societal norms,
values, and institutions in preventing criminal behavior.
Contributions of Criminologists:
1. Enrico Ferri: Contributed to the development of positivist
criminology and emphasized the role of social factors in shaping
criminal behavior.
2. Raffaele Garofalo: Introduced the concept of "natural crime" and
argued that certain behaviors are universally condemned by
society.
3. Donald Taft: Focused on the psychological aspects of criminal
behavior and explored the role of personality disorders in
criminality.
4. Gabriel Tarde: Introduced the concept of "imitation" as a factor
in criminal behavior, emphasizing the social nature of crime.
 5. Edwin Sutherland: Developed the theory of differential
association, suggesting that criminal behavior is learned through
interactions with others.
6. Cesare Lombroso: Pioneered the positivist approach and
proposed the idea of the "born criminal," suggesting that certain
physical traits are associated with criminal tendencies.
In conclusion, the Individualistic School of Criminal Behavior
encompasses various theories and perspectives that highlight the
importance of individual factors in understanding criminal behavior. The
contributions of criminologists from different backgrounds have
enriched our understanding of crime causation, considering biological,
psychological, and social influences.