What is the main assumption behind microtheories in criminology?

Microtheories in criminology center around the individual level of analysis, emphasizing the characteristics and behaviors of individuals rather than broader social structures or systems. This approach argues that understanding crime requires a focus on personal traits, motivations, and situational factors that influence an individual's decision-making process. By examining individual characteristics—such as personality, mental health, life experiences, and social relationships—microtheories seek to provide insights into why some people commit crimes while others do not.

This focus helps in developing targeted interventions and solutions for crime that take into account individual circumstances, which is essential for tailoring effective crime prevention strategies and rehabilitation programs. Microtheories complement macro-level analyses but remain primarily concerned with understanding crime through the lens of individual differences and behaviors.