Criminal Minds A much debated topic concerns whether criminals commit crimes due to social pressure or individual need. Strain theory supports crime as 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 conflicting with morals over what is appropriate or correct behavior (Schmalleger 228). Other people believe that blaming crime on the economy or where they grew up is making excuses for criminals instead of making them take responsibility for their actions, as stated by CQ writer Peter Katel. These different views began with crime statistics adopted in the early 1800s. Frenchman Andre 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 evaluated crime rates by time, gender, and age. His findings that climate contributes to a high or low crime rate is a major factor in today's fight against crime. It is unlikely that the issue will ever be resolved as there are too many pros and cons on both sides. However, even if specialists dispute it, crime does not stop. There needs to be a way, or perhaps multiple ways, to reduce criminal activity. It is doubtful whether the criminal activity will ever be put to an end. The same goes for the reasons why people commit crime, but knowing whether it is committed on a social or individual level can help combat it. Ultimately, individuals should take responsibility for their actions, but... middle of the paper... it should start when people are young because it is easier to teach them to stay away from crime and be an individual or a 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 • “Frank Lucas Biography” by A & E Television. Working week. 2011. Network. .• Cozic, Charles P. Gangs Opposing Points of View. 1st ed. san diego: greenhaven press, 1995. Print.• Katel, Peter. CQ. Page No. web.• Levisohn, Ben. “Top News, August 11, 2009, 6:50pm EST, text size: TTA Top Madoff Aide Breaks Silence.” Working week. 11 08 2009: n. page. Print.• Capriolo, Denise. Crime magazine. nd page. Print.• Samenow, Stanton E. Inside the Criminal Mind. 1st ed. New York: Crown Publishers, 1984. Print.