Scarver's Criminal Behavior Theory

Within the past couple of decades, criminologists have developed different criminological theories that apply to the social behaviors and decisions of criminals. One of the earliest theories developed regarding criminality is the rational choice theory, in which describes the rationalization of determining if the rewards from committing the crime outweigh the consequences. In Scarver’s case, his decision to engage in criminal activities outweighed the potential consequences, or the other alternatives if he did not engage in such criminal activities. In addition to the rational choice theory, Scarver’s criminality can be related to the social disorganization theory, which describes the influence of one’s social and physical environment on one’s decision to commit a crime. Lastly, the strain theory can be related to Scarver’s criminality as well, as it is used to describe an individual who lacks the means to obtain such goals, and aspirations, so therefore, he or she engages in criminal activities to acquire the goals. The strain theory is relatively close to the social disorganization theory, regarding poverty rates, and unemployment rates within

He grew up without a father figure, with a single mother, in what he describes as “the projects”. At the age of eighteen, he dropped out of high school, and was forced to move out into his own apartment. Without an education, or any family support, Scarver resorted to stealing and finding other means of obtaining his life necessities. Within his letter, Scarver blames the school system, and its lack to inform students how to survive in the real world, regarding managing emotions, and important financial topics such as welfare, and the importance of an education. He also goes to state how the school system fails to “prepare yourself for successful parenthood, or how to make your community safer and more prosperous for all”