Criminology Theories: Demonological and Classical

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Questions and Answers

What are the three conditions necessary for crime to occur?

Motivated offender, suitable target, absence of capable guardians (correct)

High social cohesion, suitable target, inner containment

Motivated offender, societal norms, strong family support

Suitable target, outer containment, deviant behavior

According to differential association theory, where do individuals primarily learn criminal behavior?

Through government policies and regulations

In intimate groups or peer environments (correct)

Via media exposure and popular culture

Through formal education systems

What best describes the drift theory proposed by Matza?

Only those with clear criminal backgrounds drift between behaviors.

Individuals are strictly deviant or conformist.

Individuals fluctuating between conformity and deviance. (correct)

People can completely abandon societal norms.

What type of containment does Reckless' theory identify as internal factors?

Self-control, conscience, and personal responsibility Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the role of social control in society?

Social control is enforced through norms, laws, and institutions. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of crime is not accounted for by classical and neoclassical theories?

Crimes of passion Signup and view all the answers

What does rational choice theory suggest about people's decision-making in committing crimes?

People weigh the benefits and consequences before committing a crime. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of specific deterrence in criminal justice?

A person sentenced to three years for theft is less likely to commit theft again. Signup and view all the answers

How does general deterrence function in the context of crime prevention?

By discouraging the public from committing crimes based on observing the punishment of others. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is primarily concerned with the instant gratification of committing a crime?

Rational choice theory Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of providing a framework for understanding criminal behavior?

To categorize crimes and analyze their patterns and causes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a limitation of criminological theories?

They often fail to account for technological advancements in crime Signup and view all the answers

How do sociological critical theories influence crime policy?

They advocate for addressing systemic inequalities and social justice Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception related to the global fallacy in crime theories?

That all crimes can be explained by a single theory Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is essential for effective resource allocation in crime prevention?

Categorizing crimes to devise targeted interventions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of criminological theory?

To explain or understand the causation of crime Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes demonological theory?

It attempts to explain crime through supernatural forces. Signup and view all the answers

In classical criminological theory, which type of crime does it account for?

Premeditated crimes Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for punishment to be effective according to Beccaria?

It must be severe, swift, and certain Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is associated with Bentham's utilitarianism?

Seeking the greatest happiness for the most people Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main challenges to theological explanations in early criminology?

Philosophical arguments promoting secular interpretations Signup and view all the answers

Neoclassical theories emerged as a response to which limitation of classical theories?

Their failure to acknowledge individual circumstances Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between mala in se and mala prohibita crimes?

Mala in se crimes are inherently wrong, while mala prohibita are wrong by law. Signup and view all the answers

What component of Hirschi's Social Bond Theory emphasizes ties to family and friends?

Attachment Signup and view all the answers

According to Gottfredson & Hirchi's General Theory of Crime, what primarily causes criminal behavior?

Low self-control Signup and view all the answers

What does the involvement component of Social Bond Theory suggest?

High involvement in pro-social activities reduces deviance opportunities Signup and view all the answers

What role do key life events play in Sampson & Laub's theory of life course criminality?

They can redirect individuals away from crime. Signup and view all the answers

What factor is commonly associated with an increased risk of delinquency during childhood?

Poor parenting Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely effect of negative life events on the life course development of an individual?

They can lead to increased vulnerability to crime. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Hirschi’s Social Bond Theory suggests that a strong belief in the law is important?

Belief Signup and view all the answers

What does 'desistance' from crime refer to in Sampson & Laub's theory?

The permanent cessation of criminal activity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Demonological Theory

Criminals were viewed as evil, possessed by demons or other supernatural forces.
This approach dominated thinking about crime from early history through the 18th century.
It was a way to determine guilt and explain why people committed crimes.
It is an early attempt to explain criminal behavior.
Mala in se crimes can be explained by demonic theory.
Mala prohibita crimes are prohibited and lack an inherent moral foundation.

Classical Theory

Individuals make rational decisions to commit crimes.
They weigh the potential benefits against the consequences.
Offenders are morally responsible because they choose to commit crimes.
Beccaria believed that punishment should be severe, swift, and certain to be effective.
Bentham proposed hedonism, which is the principle of seeking pleasure and avoiding pain, and utilitarianism, which aims to maximize happiness for the greatest number of people.
This theory laid the foundation for modern Western criminal justice systems.

Neoclassical Theories

Acknowledge individuals' circumstances and recognize that factors beyond rational choice can drive criminal behavior.
Rational choice theory suggests that people choose to commit crimes after considering the potential rewards and risks.
Deterrence theory believes that punishments can deter individuals from committing crimes.
- Specific deterrence focuses on preventing an individual from repeating the same crime.
- General deterrence aims to discourage others from committing similar crimes by witnessing the consequences of others' actions.

Differential Association Theory

Individuals learn criminal behavior through interactions with others, especially within intimate groups (family, friends, peers).

Drift theory suggests that individuals move between conformity and deviance.
Techniques of neutralization help explain how people justify their criminal behavior.
Containment theory argues that both internal (self-control, conscience) and external factors (family, society) influence criminal behavior.
Social bond theory proposes that strong bonds to society (attachment, commitment, involvement, belief) discourage crime.
General theory of crime suggests that low self-control is a root cause of criminal behavior.

Life Course Criminality

Developmental Criminology (DLC) theories focus on understanding the development of criminal behavior over a lifetime, from childhood to adulthood.
DLC theories examine how key life events (marriage, employment) can influence criminal behavior.
The Life course perspective acknowledges that social bonds and turning points can lead individuals to reduce or abandon criminal activity.

Theoretical Limitations

Global fallacy refers to the error of attempting to apply a specific theory to explain all forms of crime.
Criminological theories can oversimplify complex behaviors, neglecting the multifaceted nature of crime.
Theories may not generalize across all populations, contexts, and types of crime.
Emerging trends in crime, driven by technological advancements and societal changes, may challenge the applicability of traditional theories.

Sociological Critical and Integrated Theories

These theories emphasize the role of social structures and inequalities in shaping crime and deviance.
They advocate for policies that address systemic issues and promote social justice, rather than solely focusing on individual behavior.

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Description

Explore the fundamental theories of criminology, focusing on Demonological Theory and Classical Theory. Understand how these theories explain criminal behavior through lenses of supernatural possession and rational decision-making. Delve into concepts like mala in se and mala prohibita in the context of crime.