Are You Prone to Criminal Behavior?

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the key concept of Gottfredson and Hirschi's theory of crime?

Self-control (correct)

Immediate gratification of needs

Special motivations of offenders

Risk-taking behavior

What is the common characteristic of crimes that is supported by all theories?

Special motivations of offenders

Long-term advantages

Sophisticated planning

Immediate gratification of needs or desires (correct)

What is the potential offender's attitude towards crime, according to the text?

They have a high tolerance for frustration

They lack the necessary zeal and determination to commit a crime

They view crime as an easy and simple solution for fulfilling their desires (correct)

They view crime as a complex solution to their problems

What are the consequences of crime on the victim, according to the text?

Loss of property and privacy Signup and view all the answers

What is the assumption made by theorists who subscribe to the general theory of crime?

All individuals have the same motivations Signup and view all the answers

What is self-control?

A moral sense that prevents one from breaking social norms Signup and view all the answers

What is white-collar crime?

Illegal acts committed by individuals in positions of power Signup and view all the answers

According to self-control theory, what personal traits put individuals at risk for criminal offending?

Being oriented to the present and physical Signup and view all the answers

What is the default outcome for children in the absence of adequate socialisation according to the text?

Children learn low self-control Signup and view all the answers

What is the classical idea behind self-control theory?

Crimes are the result of natural human impulses to enhance pleasure and avoid pain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a trait commonly shared by potential offenders?

Impulsiveness Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of poor self-control, according to the text?

Ineffective parenting Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to poor self-control, according to Gottfredson and Hirschi?

Above-average intelligence Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of child-rearing practices in the formation of certain propensities, according to the text?

They are the main influence on a person's propensity for crime Signup and view all the answers

What is lacking in juvenile delinquents, according to research findings mentioned in the text?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of crime according to Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory of crime?

Acts of force or fraud undertaken in the pursuit of self-interest Signup and view all the answers

According to Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory of crime, what is the root cause of poor self-control?

Inadequate child-rearing practices Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between mala in se and mala prohibita crimes?

Mala in se crimes are inherently bad, while mala prohibita crimes are forbidden by the law Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between criminal acts and criminal offenders according to Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory of crime?

They are completely different concepts Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of self-interest in Gottfredson and Hirschi's definition of crime?

Self-interest is one of the factors in their definition of crime Signup and view all the answers

According to Gottfredson and Hirschi, what are the minimum requirements for rearing a child with self-control?

Someone must monitor the child's behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a good education according to the text?

The child will be less intent on immediate gratification of his or her needs Signup and view all the answers

What are the circumstances under which education can go wrong according to Gottfredson and Hirschi?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the rational element in the theory that crime holds the promise of pleasure?

The crime must be seen to entail a reward Signup and view all the answers

What is the opinion of Gottfredson and Hirschi on the propensity to commit crime?

It is present in human nature Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between poor self-control and criminal behavior?

Poor self-control is one of many factors that may contribute to criminal behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the empirical support for Gottfredson and Hirschi's self-control theory?

Several research studies have been conducted that support the theoretical views of the authors Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of Gottfredson and Hirschi's self-control theory?

The theory attributes variation in people's level of self-control solely to variation in parental behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is one way that researchers have attempted to support the views of Gottfredson and Hirschi?

By identifying indicators of impulsiveness and self-control and determining whether scales measuring these factors correlate with measures of criminality Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential flaw in attempting to explain criminal behavior on the basis of low self-control?

There is no conclusive proof that criminals may be distinguished from non-criminals on the basis of personality alone Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gottfredson and Hirschi's Theory of Crime

Key concept revolves around the notion that poor self-control leads to criminal behavior.
Crime is seen as a result of individual traits rather than socio-economic factors.

Common Characteristics of Crimes

All crime theories highlight that crimes are acts of self-interest, motivated by personal gain or pleasure.

Offender's Attitude Towards Crime

Potential offenders typically view crime as a viable option that promises ease and pleasure.

Consequences of Crime on Victims

Victims experience physical, emotional, and financial harm due to criminal acts.

General Theory of Crime Assumptions

Assumes that low self-control is a primary trait predicting criminal behavior across various contexts.

Definition of Self-Control

Self-control refers to the ability to regulate impulses, emotions, and behaviors.

White-Collar Crime

Defined as non-violent crime committed for financial gain, typically during professional activities.

Traits Increasing Criminal Risk

Impulsiveness, risk-taking, and a lack of diligence are traits linked to higher likelihood of offending.

Default Outcome for Children

Inadequate socialization often leads to the default outcome of low self-control in children.

Classical Idea of Self-Control Theory

Suggests that self-control developed in childhood dictates future behavioral choices, including criminality.

Common Traits Among Potential Offenders

Potential offenders often share a tendency towards impulsivity and a lack of responsibility.

Main Cause of Poor Self-Control

According to the theory, ineffective parenting during childhood is the primary cause of poor self-control.

Non-Contributing Factors to Poor Self-Control

Genetic predisposition is typically not considered a direct contributing factor to low self-control.

Importance of Child-Rearing Practices

Effective child-rearing practices are crucial in instilling self-control and preventing inclinations toward crime.

Research Findings on Juvenile Delinquents

Studies find that juvenile delinquents frequently lack adequate self-control compared to their peers.

Definition of Crime in General Theory

Crime is defined as behavior that results from an individual's impaired self-control, leading to engaging in illegal acts.

Root Cause of Poor Self-Control

Poor self-control is primarily attributed to inadequate parental guidance and socialization.

Mala in Se vs. Mala Prohibita

Mala in se crimes are inherently wrong (e.g., murder), while mala prohibita crimes are wrong due to being prohibited by law (e.g., drug use).

Relationship Between Criminal Acts and Offenders

A straightforward connection exists between low self-control and the propensity for committing criminal acts.

Role of Self-Interest in Crime

Self-interest is a driving factor; individuals commit crimes based on perceived personal rewards.

Minimum Requirements for Rearing Children

Essential elements for fostering self-control include consistent parenting and monitoring of children's behavior.

Result of Good Education

Education enhances self-control and provides tools for better decision-making in life.

Circumstances Where Education Fails

Education may not succeed if it lacks structure, oversight, or proper engagement with the student.

Rational Element of Criminal Behavior

The promise of pleasure associated with criminal acts often drives individuals to engage in such behaviors.

Gottfredson and Hirschi on Crime Propensity

They assert that the propensity to commit crime is a stable trait established during childhood.

Poor Self-Control and Criminal Behavior

There is a strong correlation; individuals with low self-control are more likely to engage in criminal activities.

Empirical Support for Self-Control Theory

Various studies have reinforced the notion that low self-control reliably predicts criminal behavior across different populations.

Criticism of Self-Control Theory

Critics argue that it oversimplifies crime causation by placing undue emphasis on individual traits while neglecting broader social influences.

Supporting Research for Gottfredson and Hirschi

Researchers have gathered data linking lower self-control scores to increased criminal offenses to validate the theory.

Flaw in Low Self-Control Explanations

Solely attributing criminal behavior to low self-control overlooks complex socio-environmental factors that may contribute.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

"Exploring the Psychology of Criminal Behavior: Are You Prone to Offending?" Take this quiz to gain insight into the factors that contribute to criminal behavior, including self-image, self-control, and long-term thinking. Discover if you possess traits that could make you more inclined towards criminal activities.