What is Criminology? Understanding Crime, Behaviour and Society

What is criminology within the South African context? Why do people choose to commit crimes? What drives their behaviour and how does it impact society? The roots of criminology are found in psychology, sociology, law and economics. It seeks to understand patterns of crime, behaviours that drive offenders and how to reduce harm. Criminology also aims to better understand and look at strategies to improve the South African criminal justice system. 

Focus of Criminology

1. Causes of crime. 
2. Criminal behaviour. 
3. Victimisation. 
4. Prevention. 
5. Rehabilitation. 
6. Criminal Justice System. 

The foundational definition of criminology was established by Edward Sutherland, who defined Criminology as the scientific study of crime, criminals, and criminal behaviour. It has been established that criminology plays a role in better fostering, guaranteeing and advancing peace, safety and security. 

Defining Criminology: The Study of Crime and Human Behaviour

A helpful way of understanding criminology is to see it as the “why” behind studying crime and its causes. It goes beyond breaking laws and the associated punishments. This is because criminology delves beyond simply describing criminal acts, law-enforcement practices, or the functioning of the justice system.  

Criminology aims to explain why crime happens, why people commit crimes, and why some communities and people fall victim to crimes more than others. Effectively, criminology connects criminal behaviour to the social conditions and contexts that may enable and foster crime.

What does Criminology study?

1. Criminal behaviour and how crime manifests.
2. Crime prevention strategies.
3. Improved responses to criminal acts and offenders.

The Relationship Between Criminology and Psychology

Classical criminology assumed that people are self-seeking, therefore liable to commit a crime. Criminologist and sociologist, Donald Taft, extrapolates putting forward that because a criminal is a product of their environment, it is therefore possible to reform their criminal behaviours. However, the manifestation of criminal behaviour is complex and has many influencing factors aside from environmental factors that need to be considered. Accordingly, criminologists also consider factors such as a person’s biology and genetic predispositions.

Criminology and psychology are distinct yet complementary disciplines. Together contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of crime. Psychology is primarily concerned with individual mental processes, including cognition, motivation, personality and behaviour. It is used to assess offenders as well as to inform rehabilitation and crime prevention interventions. Criminology, by contrast, examines crime as a social phenomenon, focusing on patterns, trends and structural factors. As well as the broader social, economic and institutional contexts in which crime occurs. 

Why Criminology in South Africa is Important

1. Provides understanding of high-violent contexts. 
2. Supports and extends the Criminal Justice System. 
3. Advises on appropriate sentencing. 
4. Promotes human rights. 
5. Assists with victim support. 
6. Helps combat systemic corruption and crime. 
7. Develops South African applicable rehabilitation and reintegration programmes. 
8. Provides evidence-based research for policy development. 

Theories That Explain Criminal Behaviour

There are numerous criminological theories. Each of the theories of crime is valuable and contributes towards developing crime-combating strategies and ultimately preventing crime. This is because it takes a different perspective when seeking to explain the underlying causes of crime, as well as an individual’s behaviour, moral concepts, social interactions and values.

8 Key Theories that Explain Criminal Behaviour

1. Biological and Rational Choice Theories: Based on genetic predispositions, neurological and hormonal influences.
2. Psychological Theories: Focus on mental processes and development using, for example, cognitive, psychodynamic and personality theories. 
3. Sociological Theories: Take into account the influence of broader social issues and structures, such as poverty, lack of social cohesion and inequality. 
4. Social Learning Theory: Criminal behaviour is learned through social interactions with peers, family and role models. 
5. Strain Theory: Criminal behaviour is due to pressure or frustration, related, for example, to economic disadvantages and constraints. 
6. Control Theory: Explores why people don’t commit a crime and thereby how to reduce the likelihood of crime.
7. Labelling Theory: Examines why and how social reactions contribute towards reinforcing criminal behaviour or reducing the opportunities to offend.
8. Routine Activity Theory: Explains criminal offences related to everyday activities. 

Studying Criminology: What to Expect

If you are interested in studying criminology, an excellent degree to study is SACAP’s Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Psychology and Criminology). This course is designed to equip graduates with the skills they need to help address South Africa’s deeply rooted and perpetuated social challenges. 

During your criminology studies, you can expect to gain an introductory understanding of human behaviour and theoretical as well as applied knowledge in psychological domains. SACAP criminology students acquire a deep insight into crime, justice and society based on theories of crime and deviance, as well as develop critical analysis and communication skills. Additionally, they gain a good understanding of how laws, policies, and institutional structures influence justice outcomes and social wellbeing. 

Where Can a Criminology Qualification Take You?

A criminology qualification offers diverse career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. SACAP criminology graduates can expect to contribute meaningfully throughout their careers towards crime prevention, intervention, rehabilitation and victim support.

Examples of Criminology Careers and Job Opportunities

1. Law Enforcement. 
2. Government Sector. 
3. Private Sector. 
4. Civil Society Sector. 
5. Forensic Sector. 
6. Legal Sector. 
7. Accademia. 
8. Victim Support. 

Where to Study Criminology

When choosing to study criminology, it’s important to consider institutions that have accreditations from education regulatory bodies. For example, the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and the British Accreditation Council (BAC). Additionally, investigate if the school has programmes like Student Support and Development (SSD). This kind of support ensures a holistic student study experience. Finally, read graduate testimonials to gain insight into the overall learning experience at an institution. 

SACAP has over 27 years of higher education experience. Accredited courses provide students with skills and knowledge to pursue successful and fulfilling careers in criminology. Explore the Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Psychology and Criminology) and contact a SACAP Admissions Officer to discuss study options or apply online today.