There are a variety of theories utilized to explain criminal behavior, some of which focus on biological or genetic factors and others which are concentrated on social factors. Other theoretical frameworks combine these variables, such as biosocial theory. In the case of Lionel Tate as presented in the vignette, several theories can be hypothesized despite the fact that there is virtually no information given about his background. This paper will connect the behavior of Tate with Labeling Theory and Strain Theory.
People who believe that labeling theory explains criminal behavior associate such behavior with a person’s tendency to become who others perceive him as. If a person is viewed as a criminal or a “bad” person, he or she will tend to believe in a way that reinforces that theory (Understanding Criminology Theory, 2014.) In Tate’s case, he was described as having been involved in aggressive and violent behavior from a young age, starting with school suspensions and ending up with the physical incident that resulted in the death of a young girl. Along the way, he was charged with and convicted of murder, which must have sent a powerful message to him about his identity. Because he continued to commit crimes after that, he was regarded as a criminal who exhibited deviant behavior. One researcher described it this way: even before the verdict, the mere existence of a criminal proceeding against someone taints his or her good name (Materni, 2013.) Tate was clearly seen as a criminal who needed to be controlled by the justice system, and it would have been impossible for him to avoid integrating this perception of himself.
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In addition, Strain Theory can be used to understand Tate’s behavior, since it is described as one in which individuals will inevitably turn to a life of crime when they are strained, or when they are unable to achieve the goals of the society, whether power, finance, or some other desirable goal (Understanding Criminology Theory, 2014.) In the case of Tate, although again, there is little information given about his background, it is clear that he began to break rules at a young age and may not have experienced the necessary type of strong response from his parent, i.e., the implication being that his mother tended to ignore his behavioral problems, or minimize them. Without having someone enforce the sort of strong discipline and controls that Tate apparently needed at a young age, he would have been unable to develop the resources that would have allowed him to achieve his goals. According to strain theory, it becomes inevitable that a person will turn to criminal activity in the absence of the ability to accomplish some measure of success. The series of criminal incidents in which Tate was involved indicates that he lacked the ability and tools to engage in positive behavior that would have brought him some degree of respectability and societal acceptance.
Currently, the philosophical underpinnings of the criminal justice system involve the defense of society, using methods of retribution, deterrence, and rehabilitation with the focus on doing what is best for the population as a whole (Materni, 2013.) This agenda can be at odds with various criminal behavior theories, including Labeling and Strain Theories; both of these perspectives are focused on making sense of the factors that have resulted in criminal behavior. In one case, when a person is constantly labeled in a certain manner, ultimately he or she comes to see himself or herself in that manner, and that may lead to acting out to reinforce that image. Strain theory seeks to understand a person’s behavior based on the stress caused by a variety of factors that have resulted in him or her being unable to be successful in life, so that the emphasis is also placed on coming to understand the factors that underlie someone’s criminal behavior. The criminal justice system is at odds with these principles because its main purpose is to act in ways that protect society, which does not necessarily take into account extenuating circumstances leading to antisocial and other illegal behaviors.
- Materni, M. (2013). Criminal Punishment and the Pursuit of Justice. British Journal of American Legal Studies, 264-304.
- Understanding Criminology Theories. (2014). Retrieved from Criminology.com: http://www.criminology.com/resources/understanding-criminology-theories/
