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What does the predestined actor model primarily suggest about criminal behavior?
What does the predestined actor model primarily suggest about criminal behavior?
Which of the following theories focuses on the interaction of biological and environmental factors in understanding human behavior?
Which of the following theories focuses on the interaction of biological and environmental factors in understanding human behavior?
Cesare Lombroso's theories on criminality were based primarily on which of the following concepts?
Cesare Lombroso's theories on criminality were based primarily on which of the following concepts?
What is a key mechanism described by social learning theory for the acquisition of criminal behavior?
What is a key mechanism described by social learning theory for the acquisition of criminal behavior?
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What does personality trait theory suggest about serious criminal violations?
What does personality trait theory suggest about serious criminal violations?
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In differential association theory, what factors are considered important in shaping criminal behavior?
In differential association theory, what factors are considered important in shaping criminal behavior?
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Which of the following is NOT a component of social learning theory?
Which of the following is NOT a component of social learning theory?
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Behavioral genetics is primarily concerned with which aspect of human behavior?
Behavioral genetics is primarily concerned with which aspect of human behavior?
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What is the primary focus of micro-theories in criminology?
What is the primary focus of micro-theories in criminology?
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Which of the following statements best describes the rational actor model?
Which of the following statements best describes the rational actor model?
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What is a key characteristic of the predestined actor model in criminology?
What is a key characteristic of the predestined actor model in criminology?
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Which type of criminological theory examines lawmaking and enforcement?
Which type of criminological theory examines lawmaking and enforcement?
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Theories that focus on variations in social or cultural makeup are categorized as:
Theories that focus on variations in social or cultural makeup are categorized as:
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What does empirical validity in a theory refer to?
What does empirical validity in a theory refer to?
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Which model suggests that the behavior of the powerless is criminalized by the powerful?
Which model suggests that the behavior of the powerless is criminalized by the powerful?
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Which school of criminology aligns with the rational actor model?
Which school of criminology aligns with the rational actor model?
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What is one of the key principles of the deterrence doctrine?
What is one of the key principles of the deterrence doctrine?
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According to rational choice theory, what is a primary reason individuals decide to commit crimes?
According to rational choice theory, what is a primary reason individuals decide to commit crimes?
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Which statement best describes routine activities theory?
Which statement best describes routine activities theory?
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What does the 'celerity' principle in the deterrence doctrine refer to?
What does the 'celerity' principle in the deterrence doctrine refer to?
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Which of the following best captures a modern rational choice theory view?
Which of the following best captures a modern rational choice theory view?
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One premise of rational choice theory states that:
One premise of rational choice theory states that:
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In routine activities theory, what role do capable guardians play?
In routine activities theory, what role do capable guardians play?
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According to the deterrence doctrine, punishment should be based on:
According to the deterrence doctrine, punishment should be based on:
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What does social disorganization refer to?
What does social disorganization refer to?
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What is a characteristic of anomie?
What is a characteristic of anomie?
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According to labeling theory, what determines whether an act is considered a crime?
According to labeling theory, what determines whether an act is considered a crime?
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Marxist theories argue that crime is a result of which system?
Marxist theories argue that crime is a result of which system?
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What does strain theory highlight?
What does strain theory highlight?
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In the context of critical criminology, what is a significant concern?
In the context of critical criminology, what is a significant concern?
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Which theory suggests that crime can result from the enforcement of laws by those in power?
Which theory suggests that crime can result from the enforcement of laws by those in power?
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What does the victimized actor model highlight about deviant behavior?
What does the victimized actor model highlight about deviant behavior?
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Study Notes
Criminological Theories
- Criminological theories explain observations about the world regarding crime.
- Theories are generalizations, interrelated concepts and conditions where relationships occur.
- Theories have probabilistic causality and empirical validity.
- Criminological theories help understand why people commit crimes and to formulate solutions.
What is a theory?
- In science, a theory isn't a guess, but a well-tested explanation of something in nature.
- Theories help explain observations about the world.
Why know about criminological theories?
- Understanding why people commit crimes.
- Development of crime solutions.
Classifications of Criminological Theories
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Theories of law and criminal justice study law-making and enforcement.
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Theories of criminal behavior study law-breaking.
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Micro-theories focus on small groups or individuals.
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Macro-theories look at differences across societies.
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Classification methods include: biological, psychological (trait & type), social-psychological, and sociological.
Rational Actor Model (Classical School)
- People have free will.
- Crime is a rational choice.
- Deterrence Doctrine: punishment should fit the crime, not the offender (e.g., proportionality, certainty, swiftness).
Rational Choice Theory (Classical Theories)
- Economic theory.
- Key premises: rational actors, normal reasoning, cost/benefit calculations, no consideration of causes.
- Modern Rational Choice theories: sequence of choices influenced by social and psychological factors affecting criminal motivations.
Routine Activities Theory
- Focuses on the conditions encouraging crime (costs/benefits).
- The chance of a crime occurring depends on the convergence of a likely offender, suitable target, and the absence of capable guardians.
- Crime cannot be separated from opportunities.
Predestined Actor Model (Positivist School)
- Certain internal/external factors influence behavior.
- Determinism: behavior is predetermined.
Biological & Biosocial Theories
- Cesare Lombroso (19th century): early biological approach (physiognomy).
- Criminals are born, not made.
- Biosocial criminology: interaction between biological & environmental factors (e.g., neurobiology, genetics, molecular genetics).
Psychological Theories
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Personality Trait Theory: five personality traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
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Personality Type Theory: significant criminal violations arise from an aberrant personality – psychopathy (e.g., callousness, capriciousness, deceptiveness, glibness...).
Social Process Theories: Differential Association Theory
- Criminal behaviour is learned through interactions with others.
- 'Definitions favorable' to law violations outweigh 'unfavorable ones'.
- Learning varies based on the relationships' characteristics (importance/duration).
Social Learning Theory
- Further specification of learning mechanisms emphasizes (mainly) operant conditioning mechanisms.
- Differential association.
- Definitions.
- Imitation.
- Differential reinforcement.
Social Process Theories: Social Bonding & Control Theories
- Social control theories: social controls prevent committing crimes.
- Social Bonding Theory: attachment, commitment, belief, and involvement factors influence conformity.
- Self-Control Theory: low self-control, immediate gratification, and criminal choices.
Social Structure Theories: Social Disorganization Theory
- Inability of communities to regulate themselves due to rapid change/breakdown in social control, leading to criminal traditions.
- Factors like poverty, residential turnover, and ethnic heterogeneity contribute.
Social Structure Theories: Anomie & Strain Theory
- Anomie: loss of social guidance resulting in deviance.
- Strain Theory: lack of fit between socially desirable goals and the acceptable means to achieve them.
- Merton's five reactions to strain: conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion.
- Deviant Subculture Theory: status frustration (e.g., gangs).
Victimised Actor Model (Critical & Radical Criminology)
- Emphasizes how social conditions (unjust, unequal societies) make some powerless people's behaviors 'criminal'.
Labelling Theory
- Societal reaction, not inherent traits, determines criminal behavior.
- Deviance is based on the reactions of others classifying behavior as deviant/criminal.
- Labeling can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Moral Panics
- Media-driven amplification of societal concerns/fears about a certain group or behavior.
Marxist Theories
- Key idea: Capitalism creates crime/fuels conflict.
- The ruling class uses laws to maintain power.
- Resistance by the marginalized group against the capitalist order/system.
- Inequality and economic conditions cause crime.
- Willem Bonger highlighted capitalism's impact on crime.
Critical (or Radical) Criminology: Feminist & Cultural
- Feminist approach: critique the androcentrism (male-centered view) in criminology and examine how gender affects crime.
- Cultural perspective: criminal behaviour and societal responses stem from the cultural meaning of crime within individuals' lives and their situations.
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Description
This quiz explores various criminological theories that explain the behavior of individuals in relation to crime. It covers significant classifications and concepts of both micro and macro-theories. Understanding these theories is crucial for developing effective crime solutions and law enforcement strategies.
