Final answer:
During the 1980s, criminological theory shifted its focus from social factors to individual responsibility and control theory, aligning with conservative political philosophies and tougher crime policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the 1980s, criminological theory experienced a significant shift, which can be identified in the following change: A) The focus shifted from social factors to individual responsibility. This paradigm shift meant that rather than primarily considering societal or environmental factors as leading to crime, such as those delineated in Social Disorganization Theory or Conflict Theory, there was a greater emphasis on the choices and accountability of individuals.
The 1980s also saw a heightened interest in control theory and the rise of conservative political philosophies, which inclined towards punitive approaches to crime, and a move away from rehabilitative ideals. This period marked the beginning of the "tough on crime" era in the United States, characterized by policies that were intended to be harsher on criminal offenders as a form of deterrence. The transition was a reaction to the perceived laxity of previous decades and came at a time when crime rates were notably high in the United States.