As a newly minted expert in criminological theory, you seek to find the theory

that best explains three specific types of crime: serial homicide, corporate

embezzlement, and spousal abuse/domestic violence. As your starting point, you

select Gottffredson and Hirshi's General Theory of Crime (or, self-control

theory). First, describe the core tenets of self-control theory and discuss how it

might both succeed and fail to adequately explain the three crimes that you are

studying. What you ultimately discover is that self-control theory seems to

intersect with other theories on crime causation (for example, the effects of low

self-control might be more prominent when one is enduring extreme strain). For

each of the three listed crimes, define the following criminological theoretical

approaches to discuss how they also partially explain those crimes: serial

homicide (psychological), corporate embezzlement (rational choice), and spousal

abuse (intersectionality).

Associated Learning Objectives

Explain the structure and elements of theory.

Distinguish the differences between criminological theories and crime ideologies.

Evaluate the role and merits of a variety of school of thought that attempt to explain

crime and the actions and motivations of criminals.

Assess the strengths and limitations of diverse theoretical approaches.