Criminological theories differently interpret competing paradigms of human nature, social order, the definition of crime, the extent and distribution of crime, the causes of crime, and politics. Although these theories have expanded societies' understanding of criminal behavior, they have not all been able to explain why punishment or treatment of offenders fails to prevent deviance and thus are ineffective methods of control. The new punishment is a contemporary response that favors the management of criminals by predicting future damage to society. However, all criminological theories are connected in that they are a product of historical time and place and, due to their contextual history, will continue to reappear depending on the current state of the world and may even be reinvented. Human nature From the point of view of Classicism, individuals are free and rational thinkers, but are ultimately governed by self-interest (Young, 1981). This voluntarist vision considers men equal in terms of free will and ability to reason; however a portion of the population is seen as pre-rational or sub-rational. However, the central contradiction between formal and substantive equality plays a key role, not only in classicism, but in many theoretical perspectives, since it does not describe why individuals continue to commit crimes. In contrast, the main principle of positivism is determination; that all behavior is the result of circumstances. Therefore, the degree of socialization that an individual has into social values ​​leads him to be classified as conformist or criminal on the continuum. However, this is a problem as it denies the freedom individuals have to make choices. The same tension between instinct and social self exists in Conse...... middle of paper ......lacking, and men. Furthermore, competing paradigms influence public policies. Those who argue that the acts are voluntary are more likely to punish the individual or group, however those who act under certain forces judge the treatment to be more appropriate. Even though these theories are conflicting, they still contain shared similarities in the new penology. Aspects are taken from all to create a new perspective on crime focused on dealing with offenders. Works Cited Feeley, M., & Simon, J. (1992). The new penology: notes on the emerging corrections strategy and its implications. Criminology, 30 (4), 449-474. Young, J. (1981). Thinking seriously about crime: some models of criminology. In M. Fitzgerald, G. McLennan, & J. Pawson (Eds.), Crime and society: Readings in history and society (pp. 248–309). London: Routledge and Kegan Paul.