Criminology Foundations and Theories
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Criminology Foundations and Theories

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Questions and Answers

Who is widely referred to as the 'Father of Criminology'?

Cesare Lombroso

What does social conflict theory criticize regarding capitalism?

Disparity of income that results

Which theory focuses on how dominant society members control minorities through institutions?

Social Conflict Theory

According to social disorganization theory, which factor does NOT lead to crime in disorganized neighborhoods?

<p>High number of children</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Beccaria, which statement is NOT true?

<p>Punishment must be designed to diagnose and treat underlying causes</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an explanation of a happening or circumstance based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning called?

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

What do classical theorists believe a crime is an expression of?

<p>Rational decision-making process</p> Signup and view all the answers

Crime prevention policies associated with social process theory focus on __________.

<p>Juvenile offenders</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hormone has been linked to elevated levels of criminal activity in males?

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

The example of studying for two hours every day and knowing the answers represents a _______.

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

For the positivist, behavior is considered to be:

<p>Beyond the control of the individual</p> Signup and view all the answers

Gottfredson and Hirschi attribute low self-control primarily to:

<p>Poor parenting</p> Signup and view all the answers

In classical criminology, what is the aim of punishment?

<p>Deter people from committing crimes</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does labeling an individual have?

<p>Affects one's self-concept</p> Signup and view all the answers

Practitioners of life course criminology assert that strong predictors of future criminal behavior can be evaluated through what?

<p>Childhood behaviors</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rational choice theory is an updated version of what?

<p>Classical Theory</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who studies the causes of crime?

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

What does social conflict theory focus on?

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

Social conflict theory includes issues of:

<p>Power and wealth</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Elijah Anderson, most 'decent' families in disadvantaged areas include all of the following, except:

<p>An older man with poor discipline habits toward his children</p> Signup and view all the answers

Strain theory has its roots in the concept of:

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

What correlation does the Chicago School show?

<p>Crime and neighborhood conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

The belief that illegal drug abusers are a danger to society is consistent with what model?

<p>The criminal model of addiction</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the study published in 'Delinquency in a Birth Cohort', what percentage of juvenile offenders were responsible for the majority of violent crime?

<p>6</p> Signup and view all the answers

The study of crime based on behavioral patterns developed in childhood is called:

<p>Life course theory</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Criminology Foundations

  • Cesare Lombroso is recognized as the "Father of Criminology."
  • Classical theorists view crime as a result of rational decision-making processes.

Theoretical Perspectives

  • Social conflict theory critiques capitalism, linking economic disparity to increased violence and crime.
  • Key concept of social conflict theory: dominant society members use criminal laws and institutions (police, courts, prisons) to control minorities.

Factors Affecting Crime

  • Social disorganization theory identifies neighborhood conditions as contributing factors to crime; however, a high number of children do not lead to crime in disorganized neighborhoods.
  • According to strain theory, crime is rooted in the concept of anomie, reflecting a breakdown of social norms.

Crime Prevention and Control

  • Crime prevention policies under social process theory target juvenile offenders.
  • Labeling theory suggests that labeling individuals affects their self-concept and future behaviors.

Behavioral Influences

  • Criminal activity in males is correlated with elevated testosterone levels.
  • Low self-control, as per Gottfredson and Hirschi, is primarily caused by poor parenting.

Punishment and Deterrence

  • In classical criminology, punishment serves to deter future criminal activity.
  • Positivist perspectives argue that behavior is beyond individual control.

Research and Predictions

  • Criminologists study crime causation and patterns.
  • Life course criminology suggests that early childhood behaviors are strong predictors of future criminal behavior.

Social Dynamics

  • The Chicago School established a correlation between crime and neighborhood conditions.
  • Elijah Anderson’s research highlights that "decent" families in disadvantaged areas lack negative parental discipline.

Drug Addiction Perspectives

  • The belief that illegal drug abusers are a societal danger aligns with the criminal model of addiction.
  • Research published in Delinquency in a Birth Cohort indicated that 6% of juvenile offenders are responsible for a majority of violent crime.

Theoretical Updates

  • Rational choice theory updates classical theory, maintaining its focus on decision-making.
  • Social conflict theory encompasses issues of power and wealth within society.

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Description

This quiz explores foundational concepts in criminology, including the influential theories proposed by Cesare Lombroso and classical theorists. It also examines social conflict theory, social disorganization theory, and crime prevention strategies. Test your understanding of how various factors contribute to criminal behavior and societal responses.

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