Criminological Theories Overview

An explanation used to make sense of observations about the world. It involves generalizations, interrelated concepts, and specifies conditions for these relationships to occur.

The idea that people have free will and rationally weigh the potential costs (pain) and benefits (gain) of their actions before deciding to commit a crime.

Criminological theories based on the rational actor model, emphasizing individual free will and responsibility, and advocating for proportionate punishment.

The belief that internal and external factors, such as genetics, psychological traits, or social conditions, influence behavior. This suggests that individuals are not solely responsible for their actions.

Criminological theories based on the predestined actor model, focusing on factors like biological predispositions, psychological conditions, or social influences that lead to criminal behavior.

The idea that criminal behavior is a consequence of an unjust and unequal society, where the powerless are subjugated and their behavior is criminalized by the powerful.

Criminological theories that challenge the status quo, emphasizing the role of power, inequality, and social structures in shaping crime, often focusing on social justice and the rights of the marginalized.

A criminal justice philosophy stating that punishment should be proportional to the severity of the crime, certain, and swift. It emphasizes the deterrence of future crime through the consequences of criminal acts.

A theory of criminal behavior that assumes individuals make rational decisions based on their perceptions of costs and benefits. It posits that people will engage in criminal activity if the potential gains outweigh the perceived risks.

This theory highlights the role of opportunity in criminal behavior. It argues that crime occurs when motivated offenders converge with suitable targets in the absence of capable guardians.

The principle that individuals weigh the potential costs and benefits of an action before deciding whether or not to pursue it. This is a core assumption of Rational Choice Theory.

A key element of the Deterrence Doctrine, meaning the certainty that a punishment will be imposed following a crime. A high degree of certainty is thought to increase deterrence.

A key element of Deterrence Doctrine, meaning the swiftness with which punishment is administered after a crime. Faster punishments are thought to be more effective deterrents.

A key element of Deterrence Doctrine, meaning the severity of punishment should be proportional to the severity of the crime. This principle ensures fairness and discourages excessive punishments.

These more modern perspectives of rational choice theory acknowledge that individuals make a sequence of choices, influenced by social and psychological factors, rather than a singular choice. They acknowledge the complexity of human behavior.

This theory suggests that criminal behavior is predetermined by factors beyond the individual's control, such as biological predispositions, psychological traits, or social conditions.

Criminological theories based on the predestined actor model, emphasizing factors like genetics, psychology, and social influences that contribute to criminal behavior.

Cesare Lombroso, a 19th-century criminologist, believed that criminals could be identified by their physical characteristics, suggesting they were born criminals.

The emergence of biosocial criminology recognizes that human behavior arises from a complex interplay between biological factors and environmental influences.

This theory posits that criminal behavior patterns are learned through interactions and communication with others. Individuals acquire an excess of definitions supporting law violations, leading them to commit crimes.

This theory builds on Differential Association Theory by specifying the mechanisms of learning criminal behavior, including differential association, definitions, imitation, and reinforcement.

A personality disorder characterized by a lack of empathy, guilt, and remorse, often associated with criminal behavior. Individuals with psychopathy tend to disregard social norms and engage in manipulative and impulsive actions.

A social state where norms and rules are weak or absent, leading to individuals feeling disoriented and lacking clear guidance for behavior.

The inability of a community to maintain order and control its members, often due to rapid social change, leading to increased crime.

A theory that argues that people are less likely to commit crimes when they have strong social bonds to family, friends, school, and community.

The belief that individuals who lack self-control are more prone to criminal behavior. It argues that low self-control is developed in childhood and persists throughout life.

The idea that criminal behavior is a result of social and economic inequalities, where the powerless are more likely to engage in criminal activities.

A theory that focuses on the labeling process and how it influences behavior. It suggests that deviance is not inherent in an act, but rather assigned by society through labels.

A school of criminology that challenges traditional criminological theories and aims to understand crime within a broader social context, focusing on power, inequality, and social justice.

A theory that argues that a lack of fit between socially desirable goals and legitimate ways to achieve them leads to strain, which can motivate individuals to engage in criminal behavior.