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Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of the Individualistic Theory of crime?
What is the primary focus of the Individualistic Theory of crime?
Which of the following is an example of Biological Positivism?
Which of the following is an example of Biological Positivism?
Who is the theorist associated with the development of Rational Choice Theory?
Who is the theorist associated with the development of Rational Choice Theory?
What is a criticism of the Individualistic Theory of crime?
What is a criticism of the Individualistic Theory of crime?
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What is a policy implication of the Individualistic Theory of crime?
What is a policy implication of the Individualistic Theory of crime?
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What is a key concept of the Individualistic Theory of crime that focuses on the role of mental and personality traits in criminal behavior?
What is a key concept of the Individualistic Theory of crime that focuses on the role of mental and personality traits in criminal behavior?
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Study Notes
Individualistic Theory
Definition
- Focuses on the individual offender and their personal characteristics as the primary cause of crime
- Emphasizes the role of free will and personal choice in criminal behavior
Key Concepts
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Biological Positivism: Cesare Lombroso's theory that criminals are born with physical characteristics that predispose them to criminality
- Examples: facial features, body type, and cranial measurements
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Psychological Positivism: Focuses on the role of mental and personality traits in criminal behavior
- Examples: personality disorders, intelligence, and cognitive deficiencies
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Rational Choice Theory: Offenders make rational decisions to commit crimes based on their own self-interest
- Examples: weighing costs and benefits, considering consequences
Theorists
- Cesare Lombroso: Italian physician and criminologist who developed biological positivism
- Hans Eysenck: Psychologist who developed the theory of psychological positivism
- Gary Becker: Economist who developed the rational choice theory
Criticisms
- Oversimplification: Fails to consider the complexity of crime and the impact of social and environmental factors
- Lack of Empirical Support: Limited evidence to support the idea that individual characteristics are the primary cause of crime
- Blames the Victim: Implies that individuals are solely responsible for their own criminal behavior, ignoring the role of societal factors
Policy Implications
- Treatment and Rehabilitation: Focus on individual treatment and rehabilitation programs to address underlying psychological and biological issues
- Deterrence: Implement harsh punishments to deter individuals from committing crimes based on rational choice theory
- Individual Accountability: Hold individuals accountable for their criminal behavior, rather than addressing broader social and environmental factors
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Description
This quiz covers the individualistic theory of crime, which focuses on the individual offender and their personal characteristics. It includes key concepts such as biological and psychological positivism, and rational choice theory. Learn about the theorists and criticisms of this theory.
