Final answer:
Criminals are often under psychological stress or face emotional disturbances that contribute to their choice of risky behaviors, such as crime. Sociological theories suggest that factors like economic stress, environmental influences, and social exclusion can impact these decisions by altering an individual's opportunity costs associated with legal activities versus illegal ones.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Criminals are typically under psychological stress or are facing some serious emotional disturbance or condition that forces them to choose risky behavior' aligns with various sociological theories that seek to understand deviance and crime. Economic stress and environmental influences can also significantly impact an individual's decision to engage in criminal activities. This is particularly evident when individuals are faced with limited opportunities and high opportunity costs associated with legal activities, leading them to consider illegal alternatives that may provide greater financial benefits despite the inherent risks.
Travis Hirschi's Control Theory suggests that deviance results from a feeling of disconnection from society, where the loss of social bonds weakens the deterrent power of societal values and norms. Social inclusion and the availability of economic opportunities significantly reduce the likelihood of criminal behavior, as they provide individuals with viable alternatives to crime. Conversely, social exclusion and a lack of opportunities can increase the opportunity costs of crime, making it a more tempting choice for some individuals.