Question

Describe one macro-level and one individual-level theory that may explain violent crime.

Answer 1

Conflict theory of crime which is largely based on the writings of Karl Marx’s class structure of capitalism suggests that the elite class of the society control majority of the wealth in the society leaving the lower class to fight for their survival. In the pursuit of resources to survive, people commit crime and it mostly occurs because of the unjust social structure. In the absence of a chance for survival people will go to any extent of harming others.

People who are constantly abused in their childhood will turn to violent criminals who will retaliate everyone who wronged them and who are similar to the ones that wronged them. So, early negative childhood experiences will be suppressed in one’s unconscious mind and they would emerge when the person becomes independent.