Why People Commit Crime: A Theoretical Journey

By Stewart J. D'Alessio and Lisa Stolzenberg

Why do people commit crime? Why do crime rates vary across time and place? And why do some individuals persist in criminal behavior while others desist?

In Why People Commit Crime, criminologists Lisa Stolzenberg and Stewart J. D'Alessio guide readers through the major theories that have shaped our understanding of crime and criminal behavior. Rather than offering simplistic answers, this book emphasizes the complexity of crime as a social phenomenon that emerges from interactions among individual traits, social environments, structural inequalities, and situational opportunities.

The authors examine classical, biological, psychological, and sociological theories alongside conflict, critical, developmental, and integrated perspectives. Each theory is presented within its historical and intellectual context, evaluated using empirical evidence, and linked to contemporary debates in criminal justice policy. Throughout the text, readers are encouraged to think critically about competing explanations, recognize the strengths and limitations of each approach, and appreciate the value of theoretical pluralism.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1936651297
• ISBN13: 9781936651290
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Weston Publishing LLC
• Length: 370 Pages
• Weight: 1.09 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"