19th Century Crime Theories

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Questions and Answers

What did the positivist tradition introduce as a challenge to classical criminology?

The application of the scientific method to study human behavior. (correct)

The rejection of empirical evidence in favor of philosophical arguments.

The belief in individual responsibility for criminal behavior.

The emphasis on divine influence in human actions.

Which of the following represents an external force that influences human behavior according to positivism?

Social conditions like wealth and class. (correct)

Historical events.

Personal psychological issues.

Theoretical constructs like intelligence.

What concept stresses that only the strongest organisms survive?

Natural selection

Social contract

Survival of the fittest (correct)

Mimetic rivalry

How does positivism approach the concept of intelligence?

It recognizes it as a measurable quantity through standardized tests. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following approaches challenged classical criminology's reliance on 'armchair' theorizing?

Empirical research methods Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of positivism focuses on the importance of empirical methods?

The strict observation and measurement of conditions and events. Signup and view all the answers

What remains a primary orientation in criminology throughout most of the twentieth century?

Sociological perspectives Signup and view all the answers

In the context of positivism, which of the following elements is considered a personal influence on human behavior?

Individual brain structure. Signup and view all the answers

Which field has NOT significantly influenced criminology, according to the content?

Environmental science Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental belief do positivists hold regarding human behavior?

It is a result of external forces beyond personal control. Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for successful criminological research?

Understanding cultural context Signup and view all the answers

What was a major influence that led to the rise of the positivist tradition?

New discoveries in various scientific fields. Signup and view all the answers

What does positivism emphasize in scientific inquiry?

Measured empirical data Signup and view all the answers

How did the positivist tradition view the concept of the soul?

As an abstract idea that lacks empirical verification. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of crimes have criminologists been called upon to help governments address?

Transnational crimes Signup and view all the answers

In the context of globalization, what aspect has criminology adapted to consider?

Digital and technological advances Signup and view all the answers

What was a key aspect that distinguished delinquents from non-delinquents according to the content?

Mental and personality characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What societal change in the nineteenth century contributed to the development of sociological criminology?

Increase in population and urbanization Signup and view all the answers

Which thinker is associated with the beginnings of sociological criminology and the use of positivism?

August Comte Signup and view all the answers

What did social statistics represent in Comte's analysis of society?

Forces for cooperation and stability Signup and view all the answers

How did Herbert Spencer apply Darwinian principles to society?

By arguing for the advancement of superior social groups Signup and view all the answers

What was the overall perspective that sociologists aimed to achieve in studying society?

Scientific analysis based on observational methods Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of natural selection imply in the context of sociological criminology as discussed?

Justification for leaving the poor unaided Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the impact of the scientific method on societal traditions during the period discussed?

It led to the dismissal of religious explanations for human behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Criminal Behavior Attribution

Criminal behavior is influenced by motivations and social contexts allowing criminal inclinations to flourish.

Nineteenth Century Developments

The classical perspective on crime and justice dominated for nearly a century, eventually challenged by positivist traditions.
Positivism emerged in the mid-nineteenth century, utilizing the scientific method to explore human behavior, inspired by advancements in biology, astronomy, and chemistry.
Positivism has two main tenets:
- Human behavior is shaped by external forces beyond individual control, including social (wealth and class), political, and psychological influences (brain structure, biological makeup).
- Empirical methods and scientific observation are essential for testing hypotheses, proving concepts like "intelligence" as measurable while questioning unverifiable concepts like "the soul."
Early positivists argued that while mental traits may distinguish delinquents from non-delinquents, they did not explain the emergence of delinquent behavior.

Development of Sociological Criminology

Sociological criminology arose alongside biological and psychological views, focusing on societal changes during the nineteenth century.
A significant societal transformation occurred with a population explosion and the shift from cottage industry to factory systems, exacerbating poverty and overcrowded cities.
August Comte is pivotal in the origin of sociological criminology, applying positivism to society and identifying cooperation (social statistics) and conflict (social life) as forces shaping society.
Early sociologists, including Herbert Spencer, applied Darwinian principles to societal evolution, arguing that the "fittest" nations and individuals naturally emerged, dismissing assistance for the underprivileged as detrimental.
The concept of natural selection explained societal dynamics, promoting a science-based approach to understanding human behavior.

Twentieth Century Trends

Throughout the twentieth century, criminology has primarily been sociological, influenced by various academic fields, including history and political economics.
Criminology is a relatively young interdisciplinary science that has adapted to globalization, technological advancements, and increased international crime.
Criminologists are increasingly tasked with developing strategies to address international and transnational crimes.
Successful criminological research necessitates knowledge of law and criminal justice, cultural awareness, reliable data collection, empirical research, and cross-cultural studies.
The achievements of criminologists serve as a foundation for ongoing research and policy formulation.

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Description

Explore the shift from classical theories of crime to positivist traditions in the 19th century. This quiz examines how motivations and social contexts influenced criminal behavior and the rise of scientific methods in understanding crime. Test your knowledge on these significant developments in criminology.