Explanation
Criminal behavior refers to acts deemed illegal by a society’s legal system and subject to formal punishment, such as fines or imprisonment. It is not simply a matter of moral wrong but is defined by legal codes that can change over time and across societies. Criminology studies criminal behavior not only as individual choice but also in relation to social structures, inequality, cultural norms, and institutional responses. Different theories—biological, psychological, sociological—offer varied explanations for why people commit crimes.
Theoretical Reference
Edwin Sutherland – Differential Association Theory