Introduction to Criminology
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Questions and Answers

What is a significant limitation of official crime statistics?

  • They are subject to changing definitions and policing practices. (correct)
  • They do not include crime committed by youth.
  • They are always accurate and reliable.
  • They are only collected in large cities.

What term describes the exaggerated perception of risk associated with crime among specific demographics, such as white women?

  • Missing white woman syndrome (correct)
  • Deviance labelling
  • Folk devil phenomenon
  • Victimization amplification

Which step is NOT part of the moral panic process as defined by Young and Cohen?

  • Response by authorities
  • Rapid build-up of public concern
  • Identification of a perceived threat
  • Increased occurrences of crime (correct)

What concept refers to the media’s role in amplifying the perception of deviance in society?

<p>Deviance amplification (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the distorted picture of crime representations in the media?

<p>Emphasis on violent crime and selected high-profile cases (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT commonly used to measure crime?

<p>Opinion polls (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT contribute to moral panics?

<p>Commitment to accurate reporting (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What societal group tends to be labeled as 'folk devils' during moral panics?

<p>Young people and their behaviors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the aims of the criminal justice system?

<p>To gather evidence and provide groundwork for cases (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does retributivism justify in the context of punishment?

<p>Punishment should be proportional to the crime committed (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about youth offending services is accurate?

<p>The age of criminal responsibility varies by country (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group is NOT typically considered a main agency within the criminal justice system?

<p>Social service organizations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of non-custodial sentences?

<p>They often include probation as a possible sanction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which personality trait in Eysenck’s PEN-model is characterized by being aggressive and lacking empathy?

<p>Psychoticism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Big 5 (OCEAN) model of personality NOT include?

<p>Hypochondriasis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lower intelligence is associated with crime due to which of the following reasons?

<p>Lower ability to foresee consequences (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which family risk factor is linked to a higher chance of children engaging in criminal behaviors?

<p>Parents with a criminal history (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of impulsiveness that can lead to criminal behavior?

<p>Low self-control (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue complicates the relationship between mental health problems and criminality?

<p>The chicken and egg dilemma (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following childrearing methods is considered a risk factor for antisocial behavior?

<p>Inconsistent discipline (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which risk factor is most directly associated with family dysfunction?

<p>Parental conflict (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the positivist approach in criminology emphasize about offenders?

<p>Offenders can be classified as pathological individuals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a focus of rational choice theory?

<p>Biological factors influencing crime (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major criticism of the positivist approach to criminology?

<p>It fails to recognize the structural inequalities in society. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to rational choice theory, crime is seen as a result of what type of process?

<p>A rational choice made by individuals weighing costs and benefits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'determinism' in the context of the positivist approach refer to?

<p>The exclusion of individual choice in criminal actions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does contemporary classicism differ from the positivist approach?

<p>It focuses on the individual’s decision-making process. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about crime according to rational choice theorists?

<p>All criminals are influenced exclusively by their environment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the consequences of rational choice according to the theory?

<p>Variability in the timing, place, and type of crime committed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does rational choice theory focus on when assessing crime?

<p>The circumstances surrounding offenses (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a criticism of rational choice theory?

<p>It ignores structured inequalities among groups (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'bounded rationality' in the context of rational choice theory?

<p>People have limitations in information and decision-making (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does routine activity theory play in understanding crime?

<p>Emphasizes the importance of guardian presence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which approach can rational choice theory suggest for reducing crime?

<p>Decreasing potential rewards of crime (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does rational choice theory explain the decision-making process of individuals?

<p>It indicates decisions are made based on limited information (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In rational choice theory, what is a suggested method to increase the risk of apprehension?

<p>Increase the number of CCTV cameras (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects a common misconception about rational choice theory?

<p>It applies universally to all types of crime (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major criticism of control theories regarding their generality?

<p>They do not differentiate between types of deviant behavior. (A), They ignore significant social and economic factors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Merton's Anomie theory, what is the primary condition that leads to deviant behavior?

<p>The dissonance between societal goals and means. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'strain to anomie' refer to in Merton's theory?

<p>Conflict arising from societal goals versus individual means. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of crime does the Chicago School's social disorganization theory focus on?

<p>The relationship between community structures and crime rates. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is 'general strain theory' considered an expansion of Merton's original ideas?

<p>It includes multiple sources of strain beyond economic ones. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of subcultural theories of crime?

<p>They examine the conflict between mainstream culture and subcultures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the role of self-control in crime according to critics?

<p>Self-control remains constant throughout life. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Merton's theory, how does society's structure impact individual opportunities?

<p>By creating barriers that prevent achieving societal goals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'illegitimate opportunity structure' refer to in Cloward and Ohlin's theory?

<p>The alternatives to socially acceptable means of achieving goals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of situational crime prevention?

<p>Manipulating the environment to reduce crime opportunities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which approach emphasizes the role of community and informal controls in crime prevention?

<p>Community crime prevention (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is a criticism of situational crime prevention?

<p>It fails to acknowledge fundamental causes of crime. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes social/developmental/risk-focused crime prevention?

<p>It seeks to address individual risk factors leading to crime. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What commonality exists among situational crime prevention, social crime prevention, and community crime prevention?

<p>They focus on different aspects of crime prevention strategies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily characterized as proactive police work?

<p>Gathering intelligence to prevent crime (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which task is part of the reactive responsibilities of police work?

<p>Interrogating suspects during criminal investigations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant aspect of forensics in modern policing?

<p>Using biological evidence like DNA and fingerprints (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a major part of police work focused on dealing with potential crime?

<p>Patrolling areas to prevent minor disturbances (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the importance of intelligence in policing?

<p>It is essential for both reactive and proactive policing efforts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does rational choice theory primarily focus on when evaluating crime?

<p>Cost and benefit analysis of actions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which option correctly describes a critique of rational choice theory?

<p>It fails to explain choices made under emotional stress. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does rational choice theory suggest increasing crime deterrence?

<p>Increasing the likelihood of apprehension (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'bounded rationality' as understood in rational choice theory?

<p>Decision-making limited by the information available (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the routine activity theory?

<p>A person breaking into a business after hours with no one present. (B), A burglar targeting a house with a security system in place. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which action could potentially reduce the value of a criminal enterprise according to rational choice theory?

<p>Lower the costs and increase availability of legal alternatives. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome when rational choice policies are effectively implemented?

<p>Decreased overall crime rates (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains why similar individuals may not always make the same choices according to rational choice theory?

<p>Distinct perceptions of risk and reward. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy is primarily aimed at preventing crime before it occurs for the general population?

<p>Primary prevention (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason the rehabilitative ideal in crime prevention has been viewed as ineffective?

<p>Rehabilitated individuals often reoffend (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the strategies that secure the consent of the masses to maintain the dominance of the ruling class?

<p>Hegemonic strategies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of tertiary crime prevention?

<p>Caters to known offenders or victims (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has been a major consequence of the increase in prison populations since World War II?

<p>Overcrowding and diminished effectiveness of the system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is secondary prevention primarily aimed at?

<p>Specific at-risk populations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of hegemonic strategies related to cultural dominance?

<p>Persuasion without coercion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What shift in focus occurred due to the failure of traditional crime control methods?

<p>An increased interest in crime prevention (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do classical criminologists believe about offenders?

<p>Offenders are rational and make calculated choices. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory emphasizes the role of punishment proportionate to the offense?

<p>Classical theory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key criticism of classical criminology?

<p>It assumes all individuals have equal access to rationality. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rational choice theory is primarily concerned with which aspect of criminal behavior?

<p>Explaining crime as a rational decision based on costs and benefits. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is central to the concept of social bond theory?

<p>The importance of attachments to society that prevent delinquency. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which learning theory is most associated with the concept of imitation?

<p>Social learning theory (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The central idea behind differential reinforcement is that individuals are more likely to engage in criminal behavior if what occurs?

<p>They receive rewards for their behavior. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the biological approach to criminology primarily explain criminal behavior?

<p>Through the identification of inherent biological differences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of alternative sentencing in the criminal justice system?

<p>To provide rehabilitation without criminal record (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to conflict theories, how is crime generally viewed in relation to capitalism?

<p>As a legitimate response to oppression (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the Marxist view of law?

<p>The law reinforces the power of the dominant class (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do ‘new’ criminologists view the relationship between capitalism and crime?

<p>As directly correlated through social positioning (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a role of crime according to critical criminology?

<p>To challenge capitalist norms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Reintegrative shaming aims to achieve what in relation to offenders?

<p>To help offenders reintegrate into society (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In conflict theories, crime is often viewed as what kind of reaction to capitalist structures?

<p>A logical and rational response to oppression (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept explains why crime may sometimes benefit the capitalist system?

<p>Crime generates economic benefits through the justice system (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Selective Crime Reporting

News media often highlights specific cases, frequently influenced by the victim's characteristics, creating a skewed representation of crime.

Moral Panic

A situation where a relatively minor issue over time quickly becomes exaggerated and causes widespread anxiety.

Folk Devils

Individuals or groups targeted as threats to societal norms, often amplified by the media.

Deviance Amplification

The media's portrayal of certain behaviors as deviant or a threat.

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Official Crime Statistics

Data collected by law enforcement agencies, like police reports, about crimes reported and recorded.

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Uniform Crime Reports (UCR)

In the US, a database of crime statistics from local police departments, collected by the FBI.

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Victimisation Surveys

Data collection methods that use surveys to find out the extent of crime against victims.

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Limitations of Official Statistics

Official crime statistics can be flawed due to changes in crime definitions, monitoring practices, and reporting methods.

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Positivist Criminology

A criminological perspective viewing criminals as individuals driven by biological, psychological, or social factors, and emphasizing scientific measurement of risk factors.

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Rational Choice Theory

A theory suggesting crime arises from rational choices individuals make considering costs and rewards of their actions, including the risk of punishment.

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Determinism (Criminology)

The belief that criminal actions are pre-determined by factors beyond an individual's control.

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Rational Choice Factors

Elements influencing an individual's decision-making when considering criminal activity, such as the risk of arrest, severity of punishment, effort required, and possible gain.

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Risk Factors for Crime (Positivism)

Measurable characteristics believed to predispose individuals to crime, either biological, psychological, social, or environmental.

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Crime as Rational Choice

Criminals consciously evaluate risk and potential rewards before committing a crime, determining type, target, and time to maximize gains.

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Treatment in Criminology

A response to crime in positivist criminology which aims to address the individual causes underlying criminal behaviour (e.g., personality factors) instead of simply punishment.

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Criminals vs Non-criminals

Positivist criminologists posit the existence of criminogenic factors that differentiate criminals from non-criminals suggesting pre-disposition for criminal behavior in some.

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Policy Implications of Rational Choice

Adjusting policies (e.g., more CCTV, harsher punishments) based on the anticipated costs and benefits to deter crime.

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Bounded Rationality

The concept that individuals make choices based on limited information and assumptions about costs and benefits.

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Routine Activity Theory

Crime occurs when a motivated offender meets a suitable target in the absence of a capable guardian.

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Suitable Target

A person or object that is attractive to a criminal.

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Motivated Offender

Someone who has the desire and ability to commit a crime.

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Capable Guardian

Something that discourages or prevents criminal activity.

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Criticisms of Rational Choice

Rational choice theory may not account for crimes of passion or structural inequalities, and doesn't fully explain why similar people make diverse choices.

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Utilitarian Punishment

Punishment is justified if it benefits society by reducing crime or deterring future offenses. This approach focuses on the consequences of punishment.

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Retributive Punishment

Punishment is deserved because the offender broke the law. It focuses on fairness and holding the offender accountable for their actions.

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Probation

A non-custodial sentence where the offender is supervised in the community and must meet certain conditions like attending therapy or avoiding certain places. It aims to help the offender reintegrate into society.

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Age of Criminal Responsibility

The minimum age at which a person can be held accountable for their criminal actions and prosecuted in court.

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Youth Offending Services

Specialized services that handle juvenile offenders, focused on rehabilitation and prevention. They cater to the unique needs of young criminals.

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Eysenck's PEN Model

A theory that suggests personality traits like Psychoticism, Extroversion, and Neuroticism influence criminal behavior. Higher scores on these traits increase the likelihood of becoming an offender.

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Big 5 Personality Model (OCEAN)

This model describes five core personality traits: Openness to experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. It's used to understand how personality influences behavior.

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Low Intelligence and Crime

Individuals with lower intelligence may have difficulties predicting consequences of their actions, potentially leading to criminal involvement. However, social factors like lack of education or self-control can contribute.

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Impulsiveness and Crime

People who are impulsive, seek thrills, take risks, and have poor self-control are more likely to engage in criminal behavior.

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Empathy and Crime

Empathy, the ability to understand and share another's feelings, is thought to be a protective factor against criminal behavior.

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Mental Health and Crime

Mental health disorders, such as ADHD, conduct disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or psychopathy, are associated with increased risk of criminal behavior.

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Family Risk Factors for Crime

Growing up in a household with criminal parents, family dysfunction, harsh or inconsistent discipline, child abuse, or neglect increases the risk of becoming involved in criminal behavior.

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Positivist Approach to Crime Prevention

This approach focuses on identifying risk factors for crime and developing policies to address them based on scientific research. It emphasizes intervention and support to reduce criminal behavior.

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Anomie

A state of normlessness or lack of social regulation when culturally-valued goals are unattainable through legitimate means, causing social strain.

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American Dream

The belief that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve financial success and material wealth through hard work and determination.

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What is the main criticism of Merton's Anomie Theory?

It focuses on societal pressures and doesn't fully account for individual factors, such as personality or personal choices, that contribute to crime.

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Strain

The tension or pressure individuals experience when they are unable to achieve socially valued goals through legitimate means.

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Relative Deprivation

The feeling of being deprived or disadvantaged compared to others, even if one's objective living conditions are good.

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What is the main difference between Merton's Anomie Theory and general strain theory?

General strain theory expands on Merton's work by including various stressors besides the gap between goals and means, such as negative relationships and life events.

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Institutional Anomie Theory

This theory argues that the American Dream's emphasis on material success, coupled with weak social institutions, weakens social controls and increases crime.

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Illegitimate Opportunity Structure

This theory suggests that individuals who lack access to legitimate means of success may turn to illegitimate opportunities within their social environments to achieve goals.

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Social Disorganisation Theory

This theory highlights how crime rates are higher in areas with weak social institutions, a lack of collective efficacy, and social disorganisation.

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Subcultural Strain Theory

This theory proposes that delinquent subcultures develop as a response to the strain of social disadvantage and the inability to achieve success through legitimate means.

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Rational Choice Theory (Crime)

Criminals make choices based on weighing the potential benefits (e.g., money, power) against the risks (e.g., getting caught, punishment).

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Utilitarian Approach to Punishment

Punishment is justified if it benefits society by deterring crime or reducing crime rates overall.

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Restorative Justice

A system of justice that focuses on repairing harm caused by crime and involves the victim, offender, and community in the process of healing and reconciliation.

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Reintegrative Shaming

A form of social control that emphasizes public shaming of the offender, followed by reintegration into the community, with the aim of reducing crime.

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Marxist Criminology

A criminological perspective that views crime as a product of class conflict and capitalist exploitation, arguing that the law serves the interests of the ruling class.

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Crime as Primitive Rebellion

A Marxist view that argues crime is a form of resistance by the working class to the inequalities and injustices of the capitalist system.

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New Criminology

A criminological perspective that views crime as a logical response to the structural inequalities and injustices of capitalism.

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Crime as a Function of Capitalism

The idea that crime serves a functional role for capitalism by creating jobs in the justice system and legitimizing the system's operation.

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Crimes of Domination

Crimes committed by the powerful, such as corporate fraud or political corruption, often ignored or downplayed by the criminal justice system.

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Centrality of Class Conflict

A key concept in conflict theory, emphasizing the importance of class conflict in shaping social structures and institutions, particularly in perpetuating inequalities.

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Classical Criminology

A school of thought emphasizing free will and rational decision-making in crime. Individuals choose to commit crimes after weighing costs and benefits.

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Positivism

Focuses on biological, psychological, and social factors influencing criminal behavior. Individuals are seen as influenced by factors beyond their control.

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Risk Factor Paradigm (Positivism)

Identifies measurable factors that predict criminal behavior. Focuses on reducing these factors to prevent crime.

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Social Learning Theory

Individuals learn criminal behavior through observation and imitation, particularly from significant roles models.

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Social Bond Theory

Individuals conform to social norms and avoid crime due to their strong bonds to society: attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief.

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General Theory of Crime (Self-Control)

Low levels of self-control are the root of crime. Individuals lack the ability to delay gratification and consider long-term consequences.

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Criminological Theories: A Brief Overview

Various theories attempt to explain why crime happens, including classical and positivist perspectives, along with social learning and control theories. Each perspective offers a distinct viewpoint on the causes and solutions to crime.

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Hegemonic Strategies

Methods used by the dominant group to maintain power and control. This involves shaping the culture and ideas of the less powerful to secure their acceptance of the existing social order.

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Primary Crime Prevention

Preventing crime before it happens by targeting everyone in a general population. This seeks to address root causes and create a safer environment.

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Secondary Crime Prevention

Focuses on specific at-risk groups, areas, or places where crime is likely to occur. It aims to reduce the likelihood of crime by addressing those specific factors.

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Tertiary Crime Prevention

Targeted at known offenders, victims, or areas where crimes have already occurred. It seeks to reduce the impact of the crime and rehabilitate offenders.

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What is the 'nothing works' attitude in criminology?

A pessimistic view suggesting that traditional methods of rehabilitation and punishment are ineffective at reducing crime rates.

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What led to the increased interest in crime prevention?

The failure of traditional punishment and rehabilitation to reduce crime rates pushed criminologists to explore preventative measures.

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Why was crime prevention considered necessary?

As traditional methods of punishment and rehabilitation did not achieve desired results, crime prevention became a crucial alternative to combat rising crime rates.

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What are the two main definitions of crime prevention?

Crime prevention is defined in two ways: (1) distinguishing primary, secondary, and tertiary activities, and (2) through different approaches that target individuals, environments, or the social context.

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Situational Crime Prevention

A strategy to reduce crime by changing the environment to make it harder for crime to occur. Focuses on the 'situations' where crime happens.

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Social/Developmental/Risk-Focused Crime Prevention

Addresses crime by focusing on the factors that make individuals more likely to commit crimes. It tries to change people's behavior and attitudes.

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Community Crime Prevention

Works with communities to build strong relationships and create a sense of shared responsibility for preventing crime. It leverages the power of community.

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What is the main criticism of situational crime prevention?

Critics argue that this approach is too simplistic and doesn't address the deeper social and economic factors that contribute to crime.

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What is the main difference between situational and social crime prevention?

Situational crime prevention focuses on changing the environment, while social crime prevention focuses on changing individuals and communities.

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Proactive Policing

Police activities that go beyond reacting to crime by actively searching for and preventing crime through intelligence gathering, focused patrols, and targeted investigations.

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Intelligence Gathering

Collecting information about potential crimes, suspects, or criminal organizations through various means such as phone tapping, informants, and analyzing data.

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Forensics

The scientific analysis of physical evidence, such as DNA, fingerprints, or trace materials, to investigate crimes and identify suspects.

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Potential Crime

Situations or behaviors that have a high risk of escalating into actual crime, often characterized by minor disturbances or social disorder. This is a key focus of police work.

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Keeping the Peace

A crucial aspect of policing that involves patrolling areas, responding to minor disturbances, and ensuring community safety by preventing escalation of conflicts.

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Study Notes

Criminology Notes

  • Criminology is the scientific study of crime and society's reaction to criminal behavior.
  • Key components include the creation of laws, the breaking of laws, and the reaction of society to the breaking of laws.
  • Criminology is an interdisciplinary field, drawing on various disciplines such as psychology, sociology, political science, criminal law, geography, history, and economics.
  • Criminologists conduct research using empirical methods and do not have a partisan stance towards government.
  • Criminology encompasses many sub-disciplines, including criminography, penology, and others.
  • Diverse theoretical perspectives and schools of thought inform criminological studies.
  • Criminologists study crimes and harmful/deviant behavior, offenders, victims, meso/macro units, criminal justice actors, policies, and environmental/social harms.
  • Crimonological research often begins with explanatory research questions, seeking patterns rather than individual cases. Focusing on the reasons behind occurrences of crime rather than specific instances.
  • Criminological research usually starts with explanatory questions about the causes of crime instead of descriptive individual case studies.

Criminological Research

  • Criminological research typically starts with exploratory questions about why a crime happens rather than individual case studies.
  • Research looks for patterns in crime, as opposed to individual events.
  • Research looks for facts and details rather than impressions, and suggests recommendations.
  • Criminological research typically focuses on the causes of crime and the ways in which crime can be prevented.
  • Criminological studies encompass descriptive, explanatory, and policy-recommendations.

Crime

  • Crime is defined as an act violating criminal law, representing social and political power.
  • Types of crime include mala prohibita (wrong by law), and mala in se (inherently wrong).
  • Crime is a social construct that changes across cultures, over time, and by location.
  • Discussions exist about whether broader societal behaviours beyond criminal law violations are considered crimes.
  • Criminal acts often involve particular societal harms including, but not limited to, financial, environmental, and un-criminalised harms.

Crime and Deviance

  • Deviance involves actions that violate social norms.
  • A social custom is something normally and socially accepted, but violating it does not always lead to sanction.
  • Crime involves violating legal norms, which often represent solidified social norms and customs.
  • Deviance and crime are not always the same thing, but they are related.

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Explore the fascinating field of criminology, which examines crime, society's response, and the development of laws. This interdisciplinary study draws from various fields, offering insights into criminal behavior and justice. Discover key concepts, research methods, and theoretical perspectives that shape the understanding of crime.

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