Criminal MindsA much debated topic concerns whether criminals commit crimes due to social pressure or individual urge. Strain theory supports crime as a social pressure because, as Frank Schmalleger suggests in Criminology Today 222, crime is an adaptive behavior that coincides with problems caused by frustration or an unpleasant social environment. Furthermore, cultural conflict theory states that the cause of delinquent behavior is due to different social classes being in conflict over morality about what is appropriate or appropriate behavior (Schmalleger 228). Other people think that blaming crime on the economy or where they grew up is an excuse for criminals instead of forcing them to take responsibility for their actions, as the writer stated by CQ Peter Katel. These different views began with crime statistics in the early 1800s. Frenchman André Michel Guerry was one of the first examiners of "the moral health of nations" in the early 19th century (Schmalleger 35). Another early crime statistician was Adolphe Quetelet of Belgium. Quetelet assessed crime rates by time, gender and age. Its findings that climate contributes to high or low crime rates are a major factor in today's fight against crime. It is unlikely that this issue will ever be resolved as there are too many pros and cons on each side. However, even if experts dispute it, crime does not stop. There must be one way, or more than one, to reduce criminal activity. It is unlikely that criminal activities will ever be stopped. The same goes for why people commit crime, but knowing whether it is committed socially or individually can help combat crime. Ultimately individuals should take responsibility for their actions but... middle of paper ...... it should start when people are young because it is easier to train them to learn how to stay at stay away from crime and be an individual or leader, not a follower. Crime is now a social affair, but with hard work and dedication, young people can be kept away from crime and become morally healthy and responsible adults. Works Cited • A&E Television “Biography of Frank Lucas.” Business week. 2011. Internet. .• Cozic, Charles P. Gangs of Opposing Viewpoints. 1st ed. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1995. Print.• Katel, Peter. QC. n. page. web.• Levisohn, Ben. "Top News August 11, 2009, 6:50 p.m. EST text size: TTA Top Madoff Help breaks the silence." Business week. 11 08 2009: no. page. Print.• Roe, Denise. Crime magazine. ndn page. Print.• Samenow, Stanton E. Inside the Criminal Mind. 1st ed. New York: Crown Publishers, 1984. Print.