Biological and Psychological Positivism
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Questions and Answers

Which factor is most likely to reduce involvement in deviant behaviors?

  • Uninvolved parents
  • Strong attachment to social groups (correct)
  • Isolation from peers
  • Lack of extracurricular activities

    • A weakened bond in social relationships can lead to an increased risk of deviance.

    True (A)

    What does the term 'commitment' refer to in the context of social values?

    The degree to which individuals are involved with their surroundings and the fear of damaging their reputation.

    If individuals do not agree with the laws of a society, they are more likely to engage in ______.

    <p>deviance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts with their corresponding descriptions:

    <p>Attachment = Strength of relationships and sense of belonging Involvement = Engagement in extracurricular activities Commitment = Connection to personal and professional goals Belief = Foundational agreements with societal laws</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which perspective focuses on biological and psychological factors to explain crime and criminals?

    <p>Deterministic theory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The upstream investigation of crime suggests questioning the status quo and looking for proactive solutions.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a limitation of positivist theories in criminology?

    <p>They often overlook broader structural factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ____ perspective emphasizes immediate reactions to crime without questioning broader societal issues.

    <p>downstream</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the criminological concepts with their characteristics:

    <p>Determinism = Focus on biological and psychological reasons for crime Proactive approach = Identifying solutions to prevent crime before it occurs Conflict theory = Challenges societal norms and status quo Consensus theory = Assumes social order and agreement among society members</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Matza's concept of drift primarily emphasize?

    <p>Soft determinism and the balance between freedom and control (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the framework of determinism, individuals have absolute free will and no societal influence.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are chronic drifters in the context of Matza's delinquent drift theory?

    <p>Individuals who constantly drift between freedom and control.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The concept of __________ contrasts deterministic views by suggesting individuals have some freedom of choice influenced by societal factors.

    <p>drift</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Hard Determinism = No choice due to constraints Soft Determinism = Elements of choice amidst constraints Delinquent Drift = Movement between freedom and control Biological Positivism = Focus on biology as the primary reason for behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does soft determinism differ from hard determinism?

    <p>It allows for some choice while still recognizing constraints (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Matza's theory merges classical and sociological positivism.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify the main societal factors that can lead individuals to drift towards delinquency.

    <p>Peer influence, subcultures, and societal conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Delinquent Drift

    A concept proposing that individuals move between freedom and constraint in committing delinquent acts, influenced by societal factors.

    Soft Determinism

    A perspective suggesting that choices are influenced by, but not entirely controlled by external factors.

    Drift Continuum

    A spectrum representing the range of an individual's freedom and constraints.

    Hard Determinism

    The belief that all events, including criminal behavior, are predetermined and unalterable by choice.

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    Matza's Contribution

    Matza's theory connects society to delinquency by showing how external factors influence criminal behavior, while incorporating choice.

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    Social Factors & Delinquency

    External influences like peers, social norms, and subculture impacting delinquent behavior.

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    Determinism vs Drift

    Contrasting views on the causes of criminal behavior, with determinism emphasizing external factors and drift acknowledging both influences.

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    Matza's Delinquent Drift

    Explaining delinquent behavior through a perspective encompassing influences rather than just choice or constraint. Shows the interplay in criminal actions.

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    Upstream Focus

    A proactive approach to crime prevention that focuses on addressing root causes and underlying social conditions that contribute to crime.

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    Downstream Focus

    A reactive approach to crime that primarily addresses criminal behavior after it occurs, often through punishment and law enforcement.

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    Positivist Theory

    A group of theories that focus on biological, psychological, and social factors that influence criminal behavior, suggesting individuals are predisposed to crime and act in a deterministic way.

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    Determinism

    The belief that criminal behavior is largely predetermined by factors beyond an individual's control, such as genetics, upbringing, or social conditions.

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    Proactive Approach

    A crime prevention strategy that focuses on preventing crime before it happens by addressing root causes and creating a safer environment.

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    Attachment (Social Bonds)

    The strength of our connections to others. This includes family, friends, and social groups we identify with. Feeling a sense of belonging and safety is key.

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    Involvement (Social Bonds)

    The degree of participation in activities like clubs or sports. It's thought that busy individuals are less likely to engage in risky behavior.

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    Commitment (Social Bonds)

    The dedication we have to our goals and values. This can be personal or professional. Not wanting to jeopardize our future or reputation keeps us in line.

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    Belief (Social Bonds)

    Our acceptance of the rules and laws of society. If we don't agree with them, we're more likely to break them.

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    Weakened Bonds & Deviance

    When our connections to others, our involvement, or our commitment to society weakens, we are more likely to engage in deviant behavior.

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    Study Notes

    Biological and Psychological Positivist Theories

    • Treatment (complex power) was hopeful, believing that once differences were understood, they could be treated, leading to rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring individuals to a healthier state for adapting to society. Treatment methods were diverse but could be intrusive and harmful.

    • Eugenics (problematic power) involved the elimination of perceived undesirable characteristics in humans, including disabilities, physical, emotional, mental, and intellectual deficiencies. This was a problematic power dynamic with coercive, and sometimes harmful and unethical, sterilization practices.

    Assessment of Biological and Psychological Positivism

    • Focus on the individual level, attributing deviance to internal factors within the person, ignoring broader social factors.

    • Overly deterministic, giving little consideration to choice, free will, and agency in individual behavior; overlooking wider social contexts.

    Biological and Psychological Positivism: Cases and Applications

    • Application of not criminally responsible (NCR) in cases such as Mathew de Grood and issues of misapplication such as MAOA, and coerced and non-consensual sterilizations.

    21st Century Controversies - NCR

    • The NCR verdict in the case of Mathew de Grood was controversial, particularly for victim's relatives.

    • Misperceptions of bias within the Canadian justice system when dealing with these cases were highlighted.

    Critique Biological and Psychological Positivism

    • Intrusive treatment of individuals without consent and abuses of power, especially by the state.

    • Problematic assumptions linking differences to causality/responsibility, creating more harm.

    Social Control Theories

    • Socialization is the process by which individuals learn social norms and values in society; it is important in determining how/ why individuals conform or deviate from social expectations.

    • Key elements of social control, such as attachment, involvement, commitment, and belief, determine how much individuals conform or deviate, determining the factors that make people conformist to social norms and rules.

    • Strengths and weaknesses of how these theories attempt to understand why certain individuals commit crimes.

    • Understanding the concept of drift and the factors that contribute to whether individuals drift toward criminal acts.

    • Recognizing the role of the broader social context in understanding and managing crime (upstream vs downstream ideas in crime)

    Positivism: Strengths and Limitations

    • Emphasis on scientific method and objectivity to understand crime and criminals

    • Positive approaches towards problem-solving in addressing specific social problems

    • Limitations of oversimplification and lack of attention to complex societal factors.

    The Labeling Theory

    • How individuals are labeled as 'deviant' or 'criminal' and the effects of such labels on their behavior and interactions with society.

    • How labeling theory challenges and builds on the consensus-based concept of crime.

    • Critical issues and contexts of labeling theory.

    Conclusion/Review

    • Positivist perspectives focus on social disorganization, learning, functionalism, and strain theories.

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    Related Documents

    Positivist Theories Notes PDF

    Description

    Explore the key concepts of biological and psychological positivist theories, including their treatment methods and the implications of eugenics practices. This quiz assesses the strengths and weaknesses of focusing solely on individual factors in explaining deviance, while neglecting social influences and free will.

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