Criminal Justice Practice Exam

From the perspective of ___, people are expected to commit crime and delinquency unless prevented from doing so.

1. Learning theory

2. Social control theory

3. Differential association theory

4. Role theory

The correct answer is: Social control theory

From the perspective of social control theory, individuals are viewed as inherently self-interested and likely to engage in behavior that could lead to crime and delinquency if not adequately restrained by societal norms, rules, and authorities. This theory suggests that social bonds and the influence of family, peers, and community play a crucial role in curbing criminal behavior. People may be motivated to commit crimes when societal controls, such as moral values and legal regulations, are weak or absent. In contrast, learning theory focuses on how individuals learn criminal behavior through their interactions with others. Differential association theory, a subset of learning theory, specifically emphasizes the influence of relationships and communication in adopting criminal behavior. Role theory examines how social expectations and norms shape individuals' behaviors but does not inherently suggest that individuals are predisposed to crime without control. Thus, it is social control theory that best addresses the idea that criminal behavior is a natural inclination that must be mitigated by social structures and controls.