I am doing an assignment where I have to explain how the various theoretical schools of crime causation would attempt to explain a criminal’s behavior. I choose to write about Charles Manson. I have read a bit about the social learning theory, however, I am still not sure what crime causation is and what theories fall under this. I am guessing that social learning and social control are two theories. Can you help me find a reliable source that explains the crime causation theories? I have already read my textbook and use wikipedia and google. None have help me in the right direction.

Check these sites.

http://law.jrank.org/pages/824/Crime-Causation-Sociological-Theories.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Manson

Good luck. Charles Manson's nuturing at an early age is wanting, you can read about that.

But I have always looked at Manson as insane, and let lawyers argue on it.

Have you gone through ALL the links at the bottom of the Wikipedia article?

Works Cited
Further Reading
External Links

Yes, I have. The first link is bad and wikipedia is not allowed as a resource for my school. I found the needed information though elsewhere. Thanks!

Certainly! Understanding crime causation theories is essential for analyzing the factors that contribute to criminal behavior. While social learning theory is indeed one perspective, there are several other theoretical schools of thought on crime causation that you can explore for your assignment.

To find a reliable source that explains crime causation theories comprehensively, I would suggest using academic databases and scholarly resources. These sources typically provide in-depth and well-researched information.

Here are some steps you can follow to find a reliable source:

1. Start by accessing your university or college library's online database. These platforms often provide access to a wide range of scholarly journals and articles related to criminology and crime causation theories.

2. Look for databases that specialize in criminology, sociology, or similar disciplines. Some popular databases in this field include JSTOR, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost.

3. Once you have identified the appropriate database, use search terms such as "crime causation theories," "theoretical schools of crime causation," or "criminology theories." Be specific with your search and include the name of the theories you want to explore, such as social learning theory or social control theory. This will help you find relevant articles.

4. Refine your search results by selecting academic or peer-reviewed articles. These articles undergo a rigorous review process, ensuring their reliability and credibility.

5. Read the abstracts or summaries of the articles to assess their relevance to your topic. Look for articles that specifically focus on crime causation theories or provide an overview of different theoretical perspectives.

6. Once you have selected some potential articles, access the full texts and read them thoroughly. Take notes on the key points, theoretical frameworks, and explanations provided by different theories.

Remember to use critical thinking skills when evaluating sources. Look for articles written by reputable authors, published in well-regarded journals, and supported by empirical evidence.

By following these steps, you should be able to find reliable sources that explain crime causation theories in detail. Good luck with your assignment!