Criminology Theories Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is Sykes and Matza's theory about?

Sykes and Matza's theory is about how most people are not so entrenched in criminal values that they reject norms and conventions of society. They are also not so different from conventional individuals.

What is the main argument/proposition of Sykes and Matza's theory?

Sykes and Matza argue that most youths cannot escape the powerful socializing influences of conventional society. They are still influenced by conventional values and norms even if they commit crimes.

What factors did Sykes and Matza believe led to crime? (Select all that apply)

  • Learned beliefs and definitions of crime (correct)
  • A dominant normative system (correct)
  • Social control theory
  • Lack of opportunity

    • What is the goal of Sykes and Matza's theory? (Select all that apply)

    <p>To explain why individuals ignore normative standards that they would typically believe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the five techniques of neutralization? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

    <p>Denial of Responsibility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Hirschi's "social bond theory" about?

    <p>Hirschi's &quot;social bond theory&quot; is about how people with strong social bonds, like connections to family, friends, and community, are less likely to engage in criminal behavior because they have a greater stake in conforming to societal norms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the theory's main point?

    <p>Hirschi's theory's main point is that people who have strong social bonds with others will follow the unwritten social norms of society opposed to those who have weaker relationships.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What question started Hirschi's theorizing?

    <p>The question that started Hirschi's theorizing was, &quot;Why don't people commit crime?&quot;</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Hirschi's logical reasoning behind control theory?

    <p>Hirschi's logical reasoning behind control theory is that individuals are naturally inclined towards delinquency (to commit crime), but strong social bonds with family, friends, school, and community act as a deterrent, preventing them from engaging in criminal behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the goal of social bond theory?

    <p>The goal of social bond theory is to explain how strong connections with others, such as family, friends, and community institutions can prevent individuals from engaging in criminal or deviant behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the four elements of social bond theory? 1. 2. 3. 4.

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

    What is Gottfredson and Hirschi's "General Theory of Crime" about?

    <p>Gottfredson and Hirschi's &quot;General Theory of Crime&quot; argues that low self-control is the main cause of criminal behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What inspired the theory?

    <p>Hirschi shifted his focus from control within society to control within the individual.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of this theory?

    <p>The primary focus of this theory is one's level of self-control.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main argument/proposition of this theory?

    <p>The main argument/proposition of this theory is that individuals who were inadequately parented before the age of ten develop less self-control because their parents did not monitor their behavior enough and discipline them accordingly. Therefore they are more inclined to participate in crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the goal of this theory?

    <p>The goal of this theory is to explain why some people engage in criminal behavior while others do not.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the six elements of self-control? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

    <p>Short-sighted</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the background of the feminist theory in criminology?

    <p>Criminology has focused almost exclusively on crimes and behaviors committed by men.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did this feminist theory come to prominence?

    <p>The emergence of the Women's Movement and it's fight for equality between the sexes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why was feminist theory neglected in criminology?

    <p>Partly stemmed from the disproportionate involvement of males in crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the goal of feminist theory?

    <p>To reveal and change the structural relationships in society that result in the discrimination and oppression of women.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the 4 main questions that feminist theorists seek to answer? 1. 2. 3. 4.

    <p>How can we explain female crime?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the "Liberation Thesis" about?

    <p>Women's liberation resulting in &quot;equality&quot; across the board, including with crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is "Deterrence Theory" about?

    <p>Deterrence Theory is one of the main explanations under classical theory/classical criminology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is this theory's main argument?

    <p>That people are rational and pursue their own self-interests which inherently mean more pleasure and less pain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three main elements of "Deterrence Theory?" Can you explain how they differ from one another? 1. 2. 3.

    <p>Swiftness/Celerity of Punishment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the three elements is the most significant/impactful according to the research?

    <p>Certainty of Punishment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has research found on all three elements? 1. 2. 3.

    <p>Certain punishment is mixed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two sub-types of "Deterrence Theory?" Can you explain how they differ from one another? 1. 2.

    <p>Specific Deterrence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is "Environmental Theory" about?

    <p>Environmental theory argues that the environmental conditions that provide opportunities for individuals to commit crime are an important factor in explaining criminal behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main focus of this branch of theory?

    <p>This branch of theory focuses on crime events, exploring the causal role of opportunity,</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does this theory believe with regard to changing environments v. changing human nature?

    <p>This theory believes that crime can be prevented by removing the criminal opportunity necessary to commit crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is target hardening?

    <p>Target hardening is a strategy that is used to make it more difficult for criminals to commit crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the background of RAT?

    <p>Routine Activity Theory (RAT) was created by Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is this theory about?

    <p>Routine Activity Theory deals with the factors that influence the range of choices available to individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the major assumption of this theory?

    <p>Crime occurs when three key elements are involved.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the core three elements of crime causation? 1. 2. 3.

    <p>A suitable target</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is developmental theory?

    <p>Developmental theory focuses on the individual and how the person's life unfolds as they transverse through different context.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the history/background of developmental theory?

    <p>Psychologists long believed that human personality and behavior emerge through a developmental process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is developmental theory different from traditional criminological theory?

    <p>Developmental theory is dynamic, while traditional criminological theory is static.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did criminology neglect developmental theory for so long?

    <p>Criminologists never gave thought to what living in disorganized neighborhood over long period of time does to one's development as an issue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main types of developmental theory in criminology? 1. 2.

    <p>Trajectory theory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was the main white-collar crime theorist in criminology?

    <p>Edwin Sutherland was the main white-collar crime theorist in criminology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did he define white-collar crime?

    <p>Sutherland defined white-collar crime as &quot;a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of their occupation.&quot;</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are some problems and limitations with his definition?

    <p>Sutherland's definition of white-collar crime has been criticized for being too broad and for being too focused on the social status of the offender.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the four prominent explanations/theories for white-collar crime? 1. 2. 3. 4.

    <p>Differential Association Theory (Sutherland)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean to be a critical theory in criminology?

    <p>A critical theory in criminology is a theory that challenges the traditional theories that are often regarded as being blind to the realities of society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the essential elements in a critical theory? 1-5

    <p>Legal system supports capitalist class</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Summary of Theories

    • Sykes and Matza's Techniques of Neutralization: This theory argues that most people aren't inherently criminal but can rationalize criminal behavior through techniques like denial of injury, denial of victim, denial of responsibility, condemnation of the condemners, and appeal to higher loyalties. These techniques allow them to justify actions that contradict societal norms.

    Summary of Hirschi's Social Bond Theory

    • Social Bonds: Individuals with strong social bonds (attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief) to society are less likely to commit crime. These bonds act as inhibitors to deviancy.

    Summary of Gottfredson and Hirschi's General Theory of Crime

    • Low Self-Control: This theory posits that low self-control, developed early in life, is the primary cause of criminal behavior. Individuals with low self-control act impulsively and seek immediate gratification.

    Summary of Feminist Theories

    • Gender and Crime: These theories challenge traditional criminological models by examining how gender roles and patriarchy shape crime, both female and male, and contribute to social inequalities. They argue for a critical examination of existing crime statistics and laws to understand gender inequality in criminal justice. Feminist theories emphasize the need to look beyond individual motivations for crime to analyze societal structures.

    Summary of Deterrence Theory

    • Rational Choice: This theory assumes that individuals make rational decisions to commit crimes by analyzing the potential benefits and costs. Deterrence theory proposes a strategy for reducing criminal behavior by making the potential penalties more severe, certain, and swift.

    Summary of Environmental Theory

    • Opportunity and Crime: This theory focuses on the environmental factors that contribute to criminal opportunities. The theory highlights the importance of opportune situations, such as the presence of suitable targets and the absence of capable guardians, that can contribute to criminal activity.

    Summary of Developmental Theory

    • Life Course: Developmental theories examine how individual's lives unfold and how life factors contribute to criminal behavior. They highlight the dynamic nature of criminal behavior throughout a lifetime, contrasting with static perspectives. Different developmental stages might see different types of crime and frequency. Continuity and change are key themes. Developmental theories highlight how turning points in life affect criminal tendencies and trajectories.

    Summary of White-Collar Crime

    • Elite Crime: White-collar crime, committed by individuals of high social status, often involves violations of trust or regulations within their respective professions. Theories seek to understand the reasons why people in powerful positions engage in white-collar crime by looking at existing structures, cultural and social norms surrounding these kinds of crimes.

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    Description

    This quiz explores key criminological theories such as Sykes and Matza's Techniques of Neutralization, Hirschi's Social Bond Theory, and Gottfredson and Hirschi's General Theory of Crime. Understanding these concepts can illuminate the reasons behind criminal behavior and the social factors that influence it.

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