5.4 Theoretical Explanations of Deviance and Crime

LO 5.4: Contrast theoretical explanations of deviance and crime.

Sociologists and the public are interested in understanding why deviance and crime occurs as are criminologists, psychologists, and others, who offer theoretical explanations from the perspective of their respective disciplines. Because there are many more theoretical explanations than any textbook can cover, a selection of theories of deviance and crime follows.