Which of the following is a characteristic of macrotheories?

Macrotheories in criminology are characterized by their focus on large-scale social processes and structures that influence criminal behavior and societal reactions to crime. This approach examines how broader social phenomena, such as economic systems, cultural norms, or institutional settings, contribute to the patterns of criminal activity and societal responses to it.

By analyzing overarching social structures, macrotheories provide insights into how social inequalities, community dynamics, and institutional influences may lead to crime. This perspective allows researchers to understand crime not just as a result of individual actions, but as a phenomenon shaped by various societal factors, including poverty, social disorganization, and systemic injustice.

Factors such as individual behavior or psychological traits are typically the domain of microtheories, which focus on personal motivations and characteristics. Speculative nature is not a defining characteristic of macrotheories; instead, these theories are often based on empirical research that examines established social dynamics. Therefore, the analysis of overarching social structures is the hallmark of macrotheories, making it the correct choice.