CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORIES IN THE CONTEXT OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

AUTHOR – TANMAY JAIN, STUDENT AT BENNETT UNIVERSITY (TIMES OF INDIA GROUP)

BEST CITATION – TANMAY JAIN, CRIMINOLOGICAL THEORIES IN THE CONTEXT OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 4 (3) OF 2024, PG. 01-13, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract

Criminological theories, predominantly developed in Western Contexts, often fail to fully capture the complexities of the crime patterns in the developing countries. This research paper undertakes a comparative study to analyse the applicability of key criminological theories such as strain theory, Social Disorganisation theory and Routine Activity Theory within socio-economic, cultural, and political landscapes of developing countries. By examining crime patterns in selected case studies from the Global South, this study identifies unique factors influencing criminal behaviour, including political instability, economic disparities, rapid urbanization, and diverse cultural norms. The findings reveal significant limitations in the current application of these theories, highlighting the need for their adaptation to account for context-specific realities. The paper argues for a more nuanced approach to criminological research that integrates local knowledge and addresses the distinctive challenges faced by developing countries. Based on the comparative analysis, the study provides policy recommendations for more effective, context-sensitive crime prevention and intervention strategies. The research contributes to the field by expanding the theoretical framework of criminology to be more inclusive and globally relevant, offering insights for future studies and practical applications in criminal justice policy-making.