Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminal behavior. At its core, it seeks to understand the nature of criminality in all its forms. This includes both the theoretical side—known as pure criminology—which aims to explain why crimes occur, and the practical side—applied criminology—which uses these insights to address real-world problems.
As an inductive science, criminology relies on careful observation and analysis of facts. Like other sciences, it works by identifying patterns and uncovering the root causes behind criminal acts—a process known as etiology. The famous saying, “To truly know something, we must understand its causes,” captures the essence of this approach.
Criminology focuses on studying the people who commit crimes and the acts they carry out. While the legal definitions and classifications of crimes are important, they are not the primary concern of criminologists. Instead, the goal is to gain deeper insight into human behavior, motivations, and the social conditions that lead to crime—making criminology a vital human science that helps us build a more just and compassionate society.
Understanding Criminality: The Heart of Criminology
At the center of criminology is the concept of criminality—that is, the study of crimes and the individuals who commit them. Criminologists aim to understand:
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What kinds of crimes are committed?
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Who commits them?
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Why do people break the law?
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What social, psychological, economic, or biological factors contribute to criminal behavior?
This understanding forms the theoretical or “pure” criminology—a branch of the discipline that seeks to build a scientific and objective understanding of crime as a social phenomenon.
Rather than relying solely on legal definitions or judicial processes, theoretical criminology seeks deeper causes and explanations. For instance, why might poverty, peer pressure, mental illness, or lack of education increase the risk of someone turning to crime?
From Theory to Practice: Applied Criminology
On the foundation of theoretical criminology lies applied criminology—a practical branch that takes the insights gained from research and uses them to develop real-world solutions. This includes shaping public policy, guiding law enforcement practices, improving prison and rehabilitation systems, and even influencing how society educates and supports at-risk individuals.
For example, if studies show that youth from unstable homes are more likely to engage in criminal behavior, applied criminology can recommend interventions such as school counseling programs, family support initiatives, or community youth centers.
Criminology is an Inductive Science
Like other social sciences, criminology is inductive—this means it gathers observations and data about real-life events and then uses this information to build general theories or conclusions. It relies on evidence-based methods to identify patterns and causes behind criminal behavior. This approach ensures that theories are grounded in reality, not assumptions or stereotypes.
As philosopher Francis Bacon once said, “To know truly is to know through causes” (Latin: Vere scire est per causas scire). This idea perfectly captures criminology’s mission: to go beyond surface-level symptoms and investigate the underlying causes of crime.
Beyond Legal Definitions
While legal codes define what acts are considered crimes, criminology doesn’t restrict itself to these definitions. Criminologists are more interested in why certain behaviors are labeled as criminal and what motivates individuals to engage in them. The legal classification of a crime is of secondary importance to the criminologist; it is the human story behind the act—the life experiences, social background, psychological state, and broader societal influences—that truly matter.
This broader approach helps us understand not just individuals, but also societal structures that may foster crime—such as inequality, discrimination, marginalization, or lack of opportunity.
Conclusion: Criminology as a Human Science
Criminology is vital not just for the legal system but for the health of society as a whole. By studying criminal behavior in a scientific and human-centered way, criminology provides the tools to build safer, more equitable communities. It reminds us that behind every crime is a human story—and that understanding those stories can help prevent future harm.
In this way, criminology becomes a bridge between science and justice, theory and practice, and most importantly, between the individual and society.