First, there are those theories which hold that the underlying causes of anti-social behaviors, the frequency of anti-social behaviors, and thus, the crime rate, is to be reduced by any significant degree (National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals [NACCJSG], 1973). The thrust of these theories is that, by eliminating the underlying causes of anti-social behaviors, the behaviors themselves will either be eliminated, or their frequencies of occurrence will be significantly reduced. In turn, the elimination or significant reduction in the frequencies of occurrence of anti-social behaviors will be reflected in a reduced rate of crime.
The second broad group of theoretical studies emphasizes the relationship between the control of social behaviors and reductions in crime rates. Within this group of studies, there are included a wide variety of approaches which are put forward as means of controlling social behaviors. These approaches run the gamut and include the following: the use of punishment and sentencing procedures as a
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