Criminological Theories Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does the structural level of analysis in criminology emphasize?

  • Personal choices made by the offender
  • Environmental conditions surrounding a crime
  • Social institutions and relationships between different social groups (correct)
  • Individual psychological traits of offenders

According to classical theory of crime, human actions are primarily driven by which of the following?

  • Rational choices and self-interest (correct)
  • Biological predispositions and trauma
  • Social influences and group behavior
  • Environmental factors and opportunities

What is a fundamental assumption of the rational choice theory in criminology?

  • All individuals experience the same environmental influences
  • Human actions are predetermined by biological factors
  • Individuals can control their behavior through calculated choices (correct)
  • Crime is a result of social conditioning exclusively

In the situational level of analysis, which factor is considered essential?

<p>The opportunities available for committing offenses (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is least associated with the individual level of analysis in criminology?

<p>Relational dynamics among social institutions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the social contract in classical theory entail?

<p>Sacrificing some rights for enhanced protection and order (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key idea of classical crime theory?

<p>Criminal behavior is largely determined by social factors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In criminological theories, the main focus of the situational analysis is on which of the following?

<p>The immediate circumstances surrounding the crime (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Crime Prevention approach compare preventing crime to?

<p>A doctor treating an illness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect do trait theories of crime primarily consider?

<p>Combination of biological and psychological factors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which approach did Cesare Lombroso advocate regarding the origins of criminal behavior?

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

What is a criticism of the early bio-criminologists' work?

<p>Their research was poorly structured. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept do contemporary approaches in criminology emphasize?

<p>The interconnectedness of biological and sociological factors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physical traits did Lombroso associate with atavistic criminals?

<p>Size and shape of heads, hands, and ears (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What question is NOT typically asked by trait theories of crime?

<p>What role does socioeconomic status play in crime? (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is likely to influence aggressive behavior according to contemporary criminological theories?

<p>A combination of biological factors and social conditions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Cultural Deviance theory primarily explain about individuals in low-income neighborhoods?

<p>They create subcultures that conflict with mainstream norms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sub-theory specifically highlights how lower-class youth engage in delinquent behavior as a form of protest?

<p>Theory of Delinquent Subcultures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Theory of Differential Opportunity, what factor does not contribute to the formation of criminal behavior?

<p>Access to legal methods of success (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic activity of Criminal Gangs as described by the Theory of Differential Opportunity?

<p>Participating in organized crime (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What reaction do youth in low-income neighborhoods often have toward the ideals of hard work and formal education?

<p>They actively reject these ideals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'status frustration' in the context of delinquent subcultures?

<p>Difficulty in achieving accepted societal success. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of gang typically operates in areas with few opportunities for legal or illegal success?

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

Which of the following gang types is characterized by the abandonment of all avenues towards success?

<p>Retreatist Gangs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Situational Crime Prevention?

<p>To limit opportunities for potential criminals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the rational choice theory in crime prevention?

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

Which strategy aims specifically to prevent known criminals from reoffending?

<p>Specific deterrence strategies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue can arise from employing Situational Crime Prevention tactics?

<p>Displacement of crime to other areas (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of General Deterrence Strategies primarily rely on?

<p>The threat of criminal punishment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which example exemplifies Specific Deterrence Strategies?

<p>California's three strikes rule (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk of general deterrence tactics like capital punishment?

<p>Insufficient deterrent effect on some offenders (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following could be an unintended consequence of situational crime prevention strategies?

<p>Escalation of criminal activities in less monitored areas (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory argues that the focus on the abuse of power should extend beyond the ruling elite?

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

What is a fundamental distinction made by Feminist Theory?

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

Which of the following is NOT listed as a cause of violent behavior?

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

What factor is mentioned as influencing the behavior of many street criminals?

<p>Abuse by capitalism and social class (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which disorder is specifically mentioned in the context of male batterers in spousal abuse cases?

<p>Depression (A), Borderline Personality Disorder (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis was proposed regarding Ivan the Terrible's violent behavior?

<p>Temporal lobe syndrome affected his mood regulation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is part of Feminist Theory as it relates to crime?

<p>Gender roles as social constructs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following branches is NOT associated with Social Conflict Theory?

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

Which category does financial theft and identity fraud fall under?

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

What is a significant challenge faced by law enforcement in combating cybercrime?

<p>Difficulty in detecting crimes using traditional methods (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the dark web?

<p>A part of the internet that hides your identity and location (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of political crime involves illegal actions by a state against its own population?

<p>State political crimes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What motivates political criminals who commit acts of terrorism?

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

Which form of communication has blurred the lines between public and private?

<p>Email and direct messages on social media (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the unauthorized use of a computer?

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

Which of the following is an example of cyberbullying?

<p>Recorded harassment through social media (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of terrorism is characterized by violent acts committed by individuals or groups to influence government policy?

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

What is a characteristic feature of the growing digital society?

<p>The ability to filter one's reality (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Classical Crime Theory

A theory that views crime as a rational choice, where individuals weigh the potential benefits against the consequences.

Rational Choice

The idea that people make choices based on a cost-benefit analysis, seeking pleasure and avoiding pain.

Social Contract

An agreement where individuals surrender some rights for social order and safety.

Individual Level of Analysis (Criminology)

Criminological approach focusing on personal characteristics like choices, biology, or psychology to explain criminal behavior.

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Situational Level of Analysis (Criminology)

Criminological approach focusing on the environment and context surrounding a crime (e.g., group behavior, opportunities).

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Structural Level of Analysis (Criminology)

Criminological approach examining broader social factors (like social institutions & relationships between groups) to understand crime.

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Crime as Choice (Classical Theory)

The idea that criminals make conscious, rational decisions about committing crimes.

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Crime in Power

The idea that laws defined as criminal, are legislation influenced by those in power.

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Situational Crime Prevention

Reducing crime by limiting opportunities for criminals through measures like improved security and monitoring.

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Motivated Offenders

Individuals who are willing and able to commit crimes.

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Rational Choice Theory (Crime)

The idea that crime is a choice people make, and they will weigh the potential benefits and risks.

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Crime Displacement

Shifting of criminal activity to different locations due to crime prevention efforts.

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General Deterrence

Reducing crime by threatening punishment to prevent others from committing similar crimes.

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Specific Deterrence

Punishing known criminals to stop them from committing further offenses.

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Incapacitation Strategies

Crime prevention methods that restrict the ability of offenders to commit crimes, such as imprisonment.

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Opportunity Theory (in Crime)

Crime happens when there's opportunity: lack of guardians, easy targets, and motivated offenders.

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Crime Prevention Approach

Treating crime like a medical problem, by identifying and fixing social issues.

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Trait Theories of Crime

Explaining crime by looking at biological and psychological factors.

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Atavistic Criminal

A criminal believed to be born with genetic predisposition to crime.

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Cesare Lombroso

Developed the concept of the atavistic criminal.

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Biological Trait Theory

Focuses on biological factors that might explain criminal behavior.

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Sociobiological factors

Explaining behavior through a combination of biological urges and social influences.

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Contemporary Bio-criminology

Recognizing that both biological and social factors influence behavior.

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Positivism

Methodological approach used by trait theories.

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Cultural Deviance Theory

Explains how individuals in deprived areas reject mainstream values and form subcultures that clash with societal norms.

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Status Frustration

Lower-class youth experience frustration when they cannot achieve success through legitimate means.

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Theory of Delinquent Subcultures

Explains delinquent behavior as a rejection of middle-class values by lower-class youth who feel frustrated by their inability to succeed.

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Theory of Differential Opportunity

Everyone desires success and wealth, but access to opportunities varies, leading to crime when legal paths are blocked.

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Criminal Gangs

Organized groups in stable but low-income areas, engaging in crime for success.

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Conflict Gangs

Chaotic gangs in areas with limited opportunities, relying on violence.

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Retreatist Gangs

Groups that have abandoned hope of achieving success and resort to drug use and isolation.

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Culture Conflict

Clash between subcultural values and societal norms, leading to deviance.

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Class Conflict in Crime

The idea that many crimes, like theft, are about economic inequality and the ruling class protecting their interests.

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Beyond Class: Gender & Power

Some crimes, like rape, involve gender and power dynamics that go beyond just class differences.

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Left Realism: Crime as a Working-Class Reality

This theory argues that crime is a real concern for the working class, not just an issue of power abuse by the elite.

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Feminist Criminology: Power and Inequality

This theory focuses on how power dynamics and social resources shape crime, especially for women.

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Sex vs. Gender

Sex is biological (male/female), while gender is socially constructed (masculine/feminine).

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Causes of Violent Behavior

Factors like personal traits, family issues, cultural values, and substance abuse can contribute to violent behavior.

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Personality Traits and Violence

Some violent individuals may have personality disorders like depression or borderline personality.

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Ineffective Families and Violence

Family issues like early parental deaths or abuse can increase the risk of violent behavior.

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Digital Footprint

The trail of data you leave online, including your browsing history, social media activity, and online purchases.

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Cybercrime

Criminal activity that utilizes computers and the internet, including hacking, data theft, and online scams.

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Cyberbullying

Repeated and intentional harm inflicted through online communication, such as harassment, insults, or threats.

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Dark Web

A hidden part of the internet where users can communicate anonymously and engage in illegal activities.

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State-Initiated Cybercrimes

Acts committed by governments to monitor and control citizens online, like surveillance or censorship.

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Political Crime

Crimes motivated by political goals, such as overthrowing a government or influencing elections.

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Cyberterrorism

The use of computers and the internet to commit acts of terrorism, such as spreading propaganda or disrupting critical infrastructure.

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Election Fraud

Illegal actions that interfere with the electoral process, such as voter suppression or tampering with ballot results.

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State Terrorism

Terrorism committed by a government against its own citizens or against another country.

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Eco-terrorism

Terrorist acts committed to protect the environment, such as sabotage of logging operations or attacks on polluting industries.

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Study Notes

What is theory?

  • Derives from ancient Greek theoria, meaning 'looking at, viewing, beholding'
  • Sets of statements explaining why and how concepts are related
  • Used for solving practical problems
  • Offers generalizations to discern patterns in events
  • A theory is qualified if conclusions can be empirically validated
  • Example: Dogs flying faster than birds (unqualified) vs evolution (qualified)

Why theory? Is it useful?

  • Theories are qualified through empirical validation
  • Provide a reference point for explaining empirical observations (ex: crime in society)
  • Examples of their use: Crime & economic status, behavior in society

Theories of Crime

  • Theories of crime clarify the 'what' and 'why' of criminal behavior.
  • Why do people commit crimes? (ex: self-interest, lack of deterrents)
  • How are crimes defined, and what factors influence criminality? (ex: laws, power structures)

Criminological Theories

  • Three broad levels of analysis: Individual, Situational, Structural
  • Individual level: Focuses on offenders' personal traits and choices
  • Situational level: Analyzes the situation surrounding a crime (e.g., local environment, opportunities)
  • Structural level: Focuses on broad social relationships and institutions (e.g., social class, gender, race)

Classical Theory

  • Level of Analysis: Individual
  • Basic principles: Humans are rational and self-interested
  • All human actions are voluntary choices
  • Crime is rational and people choose to commit it.
  • Factors influencing choice: Potential penalties, benefits
  • Critiques: Assumes everyone has equal opportunities, and ignores social factors

Choice and Routine Activities Theory

  • Crime occurs when an opportunity exists (motivated offender, suitable target, lack of guardianship)
  • A rational decision by the offender to commit crime.
  • Strategies to prevent crime: Situational Prevention strategies

General Deterrence Strategies

  • Crime rates influenced by threat of punishment
  • Tactics include: Mandatory sentencing, Aggressive policing, and the threat of severe punishment (e.g., capital punishment)

Specific Deterrence Strategies

  • Preventing known criminals from re-offending
  • Strategies: Harsher punishments, and methods like “reintegrative shaming.”

Incapacitation Strategies

  • Reducing crime through imprisonment
  • Lengths of sentences deterring individuals from committing future crimes

Choice Theory vs Trait Theories

  • Similarities: Focus on individual level analysis
  • Differences: Choice theory assumes free will, and trait theories suggest criminal behavior stems from internal factors.
  • Examples: biological and psychological predispositions.

Positivist Criminology and Trait Theories of Crime

  • Positivism: Applies natural science methods (e.g., testing) to analyze social behavior
  • Premises: Neutrality in social observation, Measurable human behavior, Laws governing social behavior
  • Subjective vs Objective: Personal feelings vs. verifiable facts.

Psychological Trait Theories

  • Examines mental aspects of crime (intelligence, personality, mental illness)
  • Branches: Psychodynamic (ID, Ego, Superego), Behavioral (learned behavior), and Cognitive (thought and perception processes)

Social Structure Theories

  • Social factors (e.g., poverty, inequality) influence criminal behavior.
  • Three branches: Social disorganization (breakdown of community), Strain (disparity between goals and means), and Cultural deviance (deviant subcultures).

Social Process Theories

  • How socialization influences criminal behavior
  • Three branches: Social learning theory, Social control theory, and Labeling theory.
  • Social Control Theory: Individuals are influenced by social bonds. Strong or weak social bonds/connections to others influence crime rates.
  • Labeling Theory: Crime is shaped by how society labels individuals as criminals.

Social Conflict Theories

  • Crime results from social inequalities and the abuse of power by the ruling elite
  • Marxism: Criminal laws are tools used by the powerful to maintain control.
  • Marxist Criminology: Focuses on class conflict, economic inequality as the drivers of crime
  • Power determines what is categorized as a crime

Crime Typologies

  • Violent (physical harm): murder, assault, rape
  • Property: theft, burglary, vandalism
  • White collar: fraud, embezzlement, insider trading
  • Public order: public drunkenness, loitering
  • Cyber-crimes: hacking, identity theft, cyberbullying, cyberstalking

The Roots of Violence

  • Personal traits (e.g., mood disorders, personality problems)
  • Ineffective families
  • Evolutionary factors (e.g., instinctual drives)
  • Cultural/regional values
  • Substance abuse
  • Types of violence: Murder, Manslaughter, Serial Homicide, Cyberbullying etc.
  • Example: Ivan the Terrible: A historical figure whose violent actions might have been partially caused by personality disorders.

Cybercrime

  • A category of crime involving technology
  • Includes theft, vandalism, war, terrorism, etc.
  • The digital world has influenced the growth and evolution of crime.

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