Different Approaches to Understand Criminal Behavior

Abstract

Since the beginning of human civilization, there has been both socially desirable and antisocial behavior in society.  Positive behavior of humans has always been helpful in social progress.  But antisocial/criminal and negative behavior has always been harmful to society.  Sigmund Freud has told in psychology that two types of instincts are found in human personality life instinct and death instinct. Life instinct is responsible for positive behavior and death instinct is responsible for negative and criminal behavior.  This chapter will look at theories that have evolved that seek to understand criminal behavior from various perspectives. Broadly, this chapter will approach understanding criminal behavior from three popular perspectives—biological, psychological, and sociological, all these theories will help us to know the causes of criminal behavior. When we know the causes of criminal behavior, then its prevention becomes also possible.