It Cannot Explain Crime at All Levels

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 108 views

The Limitations of Alexander and Healy's Theory of Male Criminality: Why it Should Not be Considered a General Theory of Crime

The study of crime and its causes has been a topic of interest for criminologists and sociologists for centuries. One of the earliest theories of crime was proposed by Alexander and Healy in the early 20th century. Their theory, known as the "male criminality" theory, posits that men are more likely to engage in criminal behavior than women due to biological and social factors. However, despite its popularity, Alexander and Healy's theory has several limitations that make it unsuitable as a general theory of crime. In this article, we will discuss why Alexander and Healy's theory should not be considered a general theory of crime.

Alexander and Healy's theory of male criminality was first proposed in the 1920s. According to this theory, men are more likely to engage in criminal behavior than women due to biological and social factors. The theory suggests that men are more aggressive and competitive than women, and that these traits are linked to a higher likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. The theory also suggests that men are more likely to be exposed to social and economic factors that contribute to crime, such as poverty and unemployment.

Despite its popularity, Alexander and Healy's theory has several limitations that make it unsuitable as a general theory of crime. One of the main limitations of the theory is that it cannot explain crime at all levels. The theory focuses primarily on individual-level factors, such as biology and social environment, and ignores structural-level factors, such as poverty and inequality. This means that the theory cannot explain why crime rates vary across different communities and societies.

It Cannot Explain Crime at All Levels

One of the main limitations of Alexander and Healy's theory is that it cannot explain crime at all levels. The theory focuses primarily on individual-level factors, such as biology and social environment, and ignores structural-level factors, such as poverty and inequality. This means that the theory cannot explain why crime rates vary across different communities and societies.

For example, the theory cannot explain why crime rates are higher in some communities than others. It cannot explain why some communities have higher rates of poverty and unemployment, which are known risk factors for crime. It also cannot explain why some communities have more resources and opportunities, which can help to prevent crime.

It is Not Supported by Empirical Research

Another limitation of Alexander and Healy's theory is that it is not supported by empirical research. While the theory suggests that men are more likely to engage in criminal behavior than women, empirical research has shown that this is not the case. Studies have shown that women are just as likely to engage in criminal behavior as men, and that the types of crimes committed by women and men are often different.

For example, a study by the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that in 2019, women accounted for 18% of all arrests in the United States, and that the majority of these arrests were for property crimes, such as theft and burglary. This suggests that women are just as likely to engage in criminal behavior as men, and that the theory of male criminality is not supported by empirical research.

It Cannot Explain Crime for All People

Another limitation of Alexander and Healy's theory is that it cannot explain crime for all people. The theory suggests that men are more likely to engage in criminal behavior than women due to biological and social factors, but this does not explain why some men are more likely to engage in crime than others. It also does not explain why some women are more likely to engage in crime than others.

For example, a study by the National Institute of Justice found that in 2019, African American men were more likely to engage in crime than white men, and that this was due to a combination of biological and social factors, including poverty and unemployment. This suggests that the theory of male criminality is not supported by empirical research, and that it cannot explain crime for all people.

In conclusion, Alexander and Healy's theory of male criminality has several limitations that make it unsuitable as a general theory of crime. The theory cannot explain crime at all levels, it is not supported by empirical research, and it cannot explain crime for all people. These limitations make it clear that the theory is not a general theory of crime, and that it should not be used as a basis for policy or practice.

Based on the limitations of Alexander and Healy's theory, we recommend that it not be used as a general theory of crime. Instead, we recommend that criminologists and sociologists use more comprehensive and nuanced theories of crime, such as the social learning theory or the strain theory. These theories take into account a range of factors, including individual-level factors, social environment, and structural-level factors, and can help to explain why crime rates vary across different communities and societies.

Alexander, F. M., & Healy, W. (1927). The roots of crime: A psychological study. New York: Harcourt, Brace and Company.
Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2019). Arrests in the United States, 2019. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice.
National Institute of Justice. (2019). Crime in the United States, 2019. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice.
Sampson, R. J., & Laub, J. H. (1993). Structural variations in juvenile court processing: Inequality, the underclass, and social control. Law & Society Review, 27(2), 285-324.
Frequently Asked Questions: Alexander and Healy's Theory of Male Criminality

Q: What is Alexander and Healy's theory of male criminality?

A: Alexander and Healy's theory of male criminality is a theory that suggests that men are more likely to engage in criminal behavior than women due to biological and social factors.

Q: What are the main factors that contribute to male criminality according to Alexander and Healy's theory?

A: According to Alexander and Healy's theory, the main factors that contribute to male criminality are biological factors, such as aggression and competitiveness, and social factors, such as poverty and unemployment.

Q: Is Alexander and Healy's theory supported by empirical research?

A: No, Alexander and Healy's theory is not supported by empirical research. Studies have shown that women are just as likely to engage in criminal behavior as men, and that the types of crimes committed by women and men are often different.

Q: What are some of the limitations of Alexander and Healy's theory?

A: Some of the limitations of Alexander and Healy's theory include its inability to explain crime at all levels, its lack of support from empirical research, and its inability to explain crime for all people.

Q: What are some alternative theories of crime that are more comprehensive and nuanced than Alexander and Healy's theory?

A: Some alternative theories of crime that are more comprehensive and nuanced than Alexander and Healy's theory include the social learning theory and the strain theory. These theories take into account a range of factors, including individual-level factors, social environment, and structural-level factors.

Q: Why is it important to consider alternative theories of crime?

A: It is important to consider alternative theories of crime because they can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the causes of crime. This can help to inform policy and practice, and can ultimately help to reduce crime rates.

Q: What are some of the implications of Alexander and Healy's theory for policy and practice?

A: Some of the implications of Alexander and Healy's theory for policy and practice include the potential for over-reliance on punitive measures, such as imprisonment, and the potential for neglect of social and economic factors that contribute to crime.

Q: How can policymakers and practitioners use Alexander and Healy's theory in a more nuanced and effective way?

A: Policymakers and practitioners can use Alexander and Healy's theory in a more nuanced and effective way by considering it as one of several factors that contribute to crime, and by taking into account a range of other factors, including social and economic factors.

Q: What are some of the potential consequences of relying too heavily on Alexander and Healy's theory?

A: Some of the potential consequences of relying too heavily on Alexander and Healy's theory include the potential for over-reliance on punitive measures, the potential for neglect of social and economic factors that contribute to crime, and the potential for perpetuation of existing social and economic inequalities.

Q: How can researchers and policymakers work together to develop more comprehensive and nuanced theories of crime?

A: Researchers and policymakers can work together to develop more comprehensive and nuanced theories of crime by engaging in collaborative research, by considering a range of factors, including social and economic factors, and by using a range of methods, including qualitative and quantitative research.

Q: What are some of the key takeaways from this article?

A: Some of the key takeaways from this article include the limitations of Alexander and Healy's theory, the importance of considering alternative theories of crime, and the need for policymakers and practitioners to use a range of factors, including social and economic factors, in their work.