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Questions and Answers
What are the factors contributing to the complexity of criminal motivations?
What are the factors contributing to the complexity of criminal motivations?
Which of the following theories emphasizes that some individuals are predisposed to criminal behavior due to biological traits?
Which of the following theories emphasizes that some individuals are predisposed to criminal behavior due to biological traits?
What was one method used to treat individuals believed to be possessed or influenced by supernatural forces in the 15th century?
What was one method used to treat individuals believed to be possessed or influenced by supernatural forces in the 15th century?
Which of the following best describes a criticism of the Justice system highlighted by Cesare Beccaria?
Which of the following best describes a criticism of the Justice system highlighted by Cesare Beccaria?
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What does the term 'spectrum of crime' refer to?
What does the term 'spectrum of crime' refer to?
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Which aspect of paradigms is influenced by societal biases according to criminological theories?
Which aspect of paradigms is influenced by societal biases according to criminological theories?
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What is a key characteristic of classical criminology as promoted by Cesare Beccaria?
What is a key characteristic of classical criminology as promoted by Cesare Beccaria?
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Which of the following reflects a common belief about supernatural influences on deviant behavior?
Which of the following reflects a common belief about supernatural influences on deviant behavior?
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What type of individual adaptation involves accepting both goals and means?
What type of individual adaptation involves accepting both goals and means?
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In Differential Association Theory, what mainly influences the learning of criminal behavior?
In Differential Association Theory, what mainly influences the learning of criminal behavior?
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Which adaptation involves rejecting both societal goals and means?
Which adaptation involves rejecting both societal goals and means?
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What is the primary focus of Control Theory?
What is the primary focus of Control Theory?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the techniques of neutralization proposed by Sykes and Matza?
Which of the following is NOT one of the techniques of neutralization proposed by Sykes and Matza?
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What concept refers to the idea that deviant subcultures promote the normalcy of criminal behavior?
What concept refers to the idea that deviant subcultures promote the normalcy of criminal behavior?
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Which of the following adaptations involves abandoning societal goals but rigidly adhering to the means?
Which of the following adaptations involves abandoning societal goals but rigidly adhering to the means?
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How does involvement in societal activities impact crime according to Control Theory?
How does involvement in societal activities impact crime according to Control Theory?
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What concept suggests that crime can reinforce social norms and promote social change?
What concept suggests that crime can reinforce social norms and promote social change?
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Which theory posits that unresolved conflicts can lead to criminal acts?
Which theory posits that unresolved conflicts can lead to criminal acts?
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According to Strain Theory, how do individuals typically react to societal pressure to succeed?
According to Strain Theory, how do individuals typically react to societal pressure to succeed?
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What does the term 'anomie' refer to in sociological terms?
What does the term 'anomie' refer to in sociological terms?
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What does Bentham's concept of the Panopticon primarily promote?
What does Bentham's concept of the Panopticon primarily promote?
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What is a main aspect of psychological theories related to criminal behavior?
What is a main aspect of psychological theories related to criminal behavior?
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In the context of criminal behavior, what role do peer groups play according to the learning theory?
In the context of criminal behavior, what role do peer groups play according to the learning theory?
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How does strong integration within a society affect anomie?
How does strong integration within a society affect anomie?
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Study Notes
Origins of Criminological Theory
- Crime is a complex phenomenon influenced by factors like socioeconomic status, psychological issues, and environment.
- Theories provide a structured framework for explaining crime using empirical evidence.
- Paradigms, the lens through which we view crime, are influenced by societal biases and dominant groups.
- Paradigms evolve as societal values and events change.
Supernatural Theories (Prescientific)
- Supernatural beliefs explained deviance in the 15th century.
- Demons, witchcraft, and supernatural forces were attributed to deviant behavior.
- "Treatments" included exorcisms and burning at the stake.
- Harsh punishments were justified due to belief in supernatural influence.
- Discrimination against marginalized groups was normalized.
- Supernatural beliefs still influence some societies and can lead to legal repercussions.
Early Attempts at Scientific Criminology
Biological Determinism (Cesare Lombroso)
- Lombroso theorized that criminals possessed distinct biological features called "atavistic traits."
- He believed some individuals were "born criminals."
- While early criminal profiling based on this theory was inaccurate, it laid the groundwork for later research.
Classical Criminology (Cesare Baccaria)
- Advocated for reforming crime control and ethics of punishment.
- Emphasized a rational and humane criminal justice system.
- Deterrence through swift and appropriate punishment based on the severity of the crime.
- Pushed for legal protection of individuals and due process.
- Recognized that justice can be manipulated through bribery, corruption, and favoritism.
Utilitarianism and Rational Choice Theory (Jeremy Bentham)
- Believed human behavior was motivated by seeking pleasure and avoiding pain (hedonism).
- Proposed that individuals make rational choices by weighing the risks before committing a crime.
- Developed the Panopticon prison design for continuous surveillance, promoting self-regulation among inmates.
Psychological Theories
- Emphasize psychological factors influencing criminal behavior.
- Cognitive distortions, personality disorders, and impaired thought patterns can contribute to criminal actions.
- Learning theory suggests that criminal behavior is acquired through social interactions, environmental factors, and peer groups.
- The Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis (John Dollard and colleagues) suggests that frustration can lead to aggression and criminal acts.
Sociological Theories
Functionalism and Anomie (Emile Durkheim)
- Crime is a natural and necessary part of society that reinforces social norms and promotes social change.
- Anomie arises when societal norms are unclear, leading to confusion about acceptable behavior.
- Crime and deviance are viewed as normal within this perspective.
- Strong social integration reduces anomie, promoting social bonds.
- Too much or too little integration can lead to deviance.
- Anomie can result from a breakdown of regulation, leading to a loss of self and societal breakdown.
Strain Theory (Robert Merton)
- Expands on how societal pressures to achieve success can lead to deviance.
- Strain Theory posits that individuals adapt to societal strain in different ways.
- Deviance can occur when individuals fail to achieve important goals.
- Individuals respond to the discrepancy between cultural goals and institutionalized means in different ways:
- Conformity: Accepting both goals and means.
- Innovation: Accepting goals but using illegitimate means.
- Ritualism: Abandoning goals but rigidly adhering to means.
- Retreatism: Rejecting both goals and means.
- Rebellion: Rejecting established rules and creating new ones.
Differential Association Theory (Edwin Sutherland)
- Individuals learn criminal behavior through social interactions and not solely through biological factors.
- Learning occurs through family, friends, and peers.
- Individuals develop motives, attitudes, and rationalizations that justify their behavior.
- The balance between favorable and unfavorable attitudes towards crime influences behavior.
- Long-term exposure and frequent interaction with deviant individuals can lead to criminal activity.
- White-collar crime can be learned through colleagues and superiors in corporate settings.
Subcultural and Control Theories
Subcultural Theory
- Deviant subcultures normalize criminal behavior.
- Focuses on the influence of group dynamics on individuals.
Control Theory
- Strong social bonds reduce the likelihood of deviance.
- The four key elements of social bonds are:
- Attachment: Emotional connection to loved ones.
- Commitment: Investment in activities.
- Involvement: Active participation in societal activities.
- Belief: Acceptance of societal norms.
Techniques of Neutralization (Skyes & Matza)
- Offenders use rationalization to justify their actions.
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Description
Explore the foundations of criminological theory, from supernatural beliefs to early scientific approaches. Understand how societal paradigms influence perceptions of crime and deviance. This quiz delves into the evolution of criminology and its impact on marginalized groups.
