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Classical Criminology and Rational Choice Theory
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Classical Criminology and Rational Choice Theory

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Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of the chapter on criminological theories and the victim?

  • The impact of social media on crime
  • The role of the victim in crime (correct)
  • The categorization of victims
  • The history of criminology
  • Which of the following theories views victims as more passive and influenced by social actions?

  • Situational crime prevention
  • Feminist theories (correct)
  • Rational choice theory
  • Classical criminology
  • What assumption does the Classical School of thought in criminology make about individuals committing crimes?

  • They react to economic conditions
  • They are active and rational participants (correct)
  • They are deeply influenced by their environment
  • They operate under predetermined roles in society
  • What is one of the learning objectives of the chapter related to the nature of the victim?

    <p>To discuss what recent theories assume about the victim</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do typologies of victims primarily serve to do?

    <p>Categorize behavior in victims</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect is NOT addressed by the learning objectives of the chapter?

    <p>Historical context of victimology</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the text refer to the nature of the modern victim in the context of recent theories?

    <p>As a complex and dynamic entity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term is used to describe the relationship between victim and offender explored in the chapter?

    <p>Victim-offender dynamics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of rational choice theories in the context of crime?

    <p>They do not question societal influences on victimization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do innate features refer to in the context of crime and victimization?

    <p>Biological traits that individuals are born with.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors are considered social features that influence victimization?

    <p>Educational attainment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary assumption of the Classical School of thought regarding individuals who commit crimes?

    <p>They are consciously aware of the harm they are causing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Cesare Beccaria, what is in the best interest of society?

    <p>To control those who wish to engage in criminal activities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Positivist theories, how do actors approach their experiences compared to the Classical School?

    <p>They are viewed as passive participants in their experiences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What risk is associated with applying rational choice theories in criminal justice?

    <p>Blaming victims for their circumstances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Vince Sacco and Leslie Kennedy focus on in their research at Queen's University?

    <p>The criminal event perspective to view crime within a social context.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which theory addresses the concerns regarding victimization that rational choice theories fail to consider?

    <p>Feminist theories</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant change in criminal punishment proposed by Beccaria?

    <p>Punishment should be proportional to the harm caused.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors is NOT considered an innate feature?

    <p>Family background</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a characteristic of punishment before Beccaria’s propositions?

    <p>It was often harsh and arbitrary.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the labeling/social reaction theory focus on regarding individuals?

    <p>The societal response to criminal behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Positivist perspective claim about the factors shaping criminal behavior?

    <p>They are influenced by a combination of biological and social factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect does rational choice theory primarily focus on in the context of crime?

    <p>The criminal's cost-benefit analysis before committing a crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which perspective is likely to examine crime without adequate attention to societal factors?

    <p>Biological theories of crime</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the deterrence theory suggest about victims?

    <p>Victims send cues that can attract or repel predators.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the rational choice perspective, the offender is viewed as what?

    <p>A rational active person making choices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a misconception presented by deterrence theory regarding victimization?

    <p>Conformity is a protective measure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do potential victims evaluate their situation according to the content?

    <p>By weighing the risks of being in a public place.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect does rational choice theory use to explain crime?

    <p>Rational thinking in the offender’s mind.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following influences a victim’s decision-making process as per the content?

    <p>Social and physical inequalities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do victims weigh during their consideration of engaging in risky behavior?

    <p>Potential gains and losses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which situation is NOT typically considered by a potential victimizer when selecting a target?

    <p>The likely financial gains from the victim.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does control theory suggest about offenders?

    <p>They are predisposed to violence due to malfunctioning neural processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of criminal activity according to the discussed theories?

    <p>It is part of a continuum of behaviors focused on short-term gain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact do early childhood experiences have on self-control, according to the psychological theories of crime?

    <p>They can negatively influence the development of self-control skills.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the notion of victimization viewed in relation to control theory?

    <p>Victims may suffer trauma that increases their vulnerability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the relationship between cognitive processes and criminal behavior according to the content?

    <p>Impaired cognitive processes can lead to increased vulnerability to crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How might weak self-control be developed, based on the theories presented?

    <p>Due to experiences of trauma or inadequate parenting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best reflects how criminal offenders differ from non-offenders?

    <p>Offenders often seek immediate rewards rather than working towards future benefits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What implication does the psychological model have for understanding victimization?

    <p>Victimization can lead to psychological and physical trauma affecting future behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Classical Criminology

    • Cesare Beccaria (1764) posits that all individuals are self-interested and capable of committing crimes.
    • Classical School of thought emphasizes the rational and active nature of individuals in their decision-making process.
    • Beccaria advocates for proportional punishment based on the harm caused to deter crime, challenging the arbitrary and harsh methods of punishment practiced before his propositions.
    • This perspective emphasizes social order by controlling those who engage in criminal activities.

    Rational Choice Perspective

    • This theory proposes that offenders make rational decisions based on potential gains and costs associated with committing crime. Derek Cornish and Ronald Clarke (1986) from London School of Economics, heavily contribute to this perspective.
    • Although popular within criminal justice and law enforcement, rational choice theories are considered conservative and should be used cautiously.
    • Assigns responsibility to the victim for their actions during a criminal event, risking victim-blaming and overlooking the power dynamics between the victim and offender.

    Positivist Theories

    • These theories view individuals as more passive, their criminal tendencies being influenced by predispositions like malfunctioning neural processes, cognitive and behavioral responses.
    • Stemming from the work of Cesare Lombroso (1899/1911), this school of thought emphasizes how factors like innate features, social features, and social environments contribute to criminal behavior
    • Attributing criminal behavior to factors beyond individual control, these theories shift focus from solely blaming the victim while still recognizing their role in the overall experience.

    Control Theory

    • Focuses on the role of self-control in preventing criminal behavior, suggesting that those with low self-control are more likely to engage in crime due to lack of planning, short-term gains, and impulsiveness.
    • This perspective stems from the work of Michael Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi (1990).
    • Explains victimization by incorporating the concept of low self-control as a factor contributing to vulnerability.

    Psychological Theories of Crime

    • Focus on the aftermath of victimization, examining the psychological and physical trauma endured by victims.
    • This model highlights the impact of victimization on individuals and their reactions to such experiences.

    Criminological event perspective

    • Emphasizes understanding criminal events within broader social context.
    • Developed to facilitate a more comprehensive analysis of criminal activity, considering various theoretical lenses to explain criminal behavior.
    • This perspective recognizes the interconnectedness of various factors and their contributions to understanding criminal events.

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    Description

    Explore the foundations of Classical Criminology, focusing on Cesare Beccaria's principles and the Rational Choice Perspective proposed by Derek Cornish and Ronald Clarke. Understand how these theories explain criminal behavior and decision-making processes. Delve into the implications for crime deterrence and societal order.

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