Causes of crime: individualist and collectivist approaches
Two main views are put forward to explain crime 鈥 individualist views and collectivist views.
Individualist approach to causes of crime
Individualists鈥痑re people who tend to focus on individual choices as the reason behind why a crime is committed: if someone chooses to offend, that is their responsibility.
Individualists believe that if someone is caught for committing a crime, they should suffer the consequences through punishment.
Collectivist approach to causes of crime
Collectivists think that inequality (鈥渦nequalness鈥) in society is the main cause of crime.
They believe inequality leaves some people more vulnerable and at greater risk of being influenced into criminal behaviour.
Collectivists think that people should be offered opportunities to prevent them committing crime.
Both the Scottish and UK governments accept that there are many underlying causes of crime for which the individual is not responsible.
But individuals also need to accept responsibility for their actions. It is the government's job to tackle crime, both its causes and consequences.