Which criminological theory suggests that crime is shaped by factors external to the individual, including their experiences within the neighbourhood, the peer group, and the family?

• A. Sociological
• B. Biological
• C. Psychological
• D. Rational Choice

Answer: (A)

Crime being shaped by experiences within the neighbourhood, the peer group, and the family points to a social context driving behavior. This is the sociological view in criminology, which considers how social structure, institutions, and learned behaviors through interaction influence offending. The environment can affect crime through factors like neighbourhood conditions, norms transmitted by peers, and family socialization, shaping opportunities, motivations, and the acceptability of crime.

Biological theories focus on genetics or physical factors that predispose someone to offend, rather than the outside social world. Psychological theories look at internal processes—personality, mental health, and cognition—inside the individual. Rational Choice treats crime as a conscious decision based on weighing costs and benefits by the individual, emphasizing personal calculation rather than broad social influences.