The motivation for crimes: Experiences of criminals from district jail Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Farhan Ahmad & Rabia Ali

Abstract
The aim of this study is to explore the causes of criminal behaviour among individuals by using qualitative research design. Theoretically the study was influenced from Differential Association Theory of Edwin H. Sutherland (1939) – one of the most influential theories within the academic discourse of Sociology of criminal behaviour. Empirical data for
this study was collected from 15 prisoners who were selected by purposively from a total of 150 prisoners in the age group of 20 – 40. The findings illustrate that the majority of the respondents reported to have criminal relatives or criminal peer group who had inspired them to be criminals. The motivation to be criminals for the majority of them was also
to gain wealth and status through short cuts. The respondents were aware of
specialized techniques to commit crimes and they were of the view that
they learnt these techniques in the company of criminal friends and
relatives. The respondents had no regrets of being criminals and they had
no plans to quit their professions after being released from the prison.

Keywords: Differential Associations, Criminal Behavior, Family, Peer Group