Theories of Crime and Their Importance
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Questions and Answers

What does the ‘rule of law’ emphasize?

  • The law is flexible and can be altered by government programs.
  • Everyone is above the law.
  • The law is subordinate to individual rights.
  • The law is the highest authority that must be followed by all. (correct)

    • How does choice theory explain the concept of crime?

  • Crime primarily results from genetic predispositions.
  • Crime rates can be significantly reduced by government intervention.
  • Crime is largely a consequence of environmental factors.
  • Crime is considered a rational choice made by individuals. (correct)

    • Which of the following statements aligns with the perspective of choice theory?

  • More opportunities will reduce crime rates effectively.
  • Individuals commit crimes primarily due to economic necessity.
  • Crime can be deterred through fear of punishment. (correct)
  • Societal conditions are the main causes of crime.

    • What is a characteristic of street crimes according to choice theory?

    <p>They involve calculated decisions made by the offender.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which example illustrates the rational choice made by drug dealers?

    <p>Deciding to engage in drug distribution for financial gain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of violent crimes, how do serial killers choose their victims?

    <p>They make calculations based on perceived ease of targeting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the Routine Activities theory relating to choice theory?

    <p>It focuses on the convenience of crime based on individual routines.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What main factor influences a rational criminal's decision to commit a crime?

    <p>Weighing potential benefits against possible penalties.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the fundamental belief of trait theories regarding criminality?

    <p>Biological and psychological factors may explain criminal tendencies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Cesare Lombroso propose about criminals?

    <p>Some individuals are genetically predisposed to commit crimes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements aligns with contemporary approaches to criminal behavior?

    <p>Behavior is influenced by both biological and sociological factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did early bio-criminologists fail to consider in their studies?

    <p>The impact of social influences on behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the concept of the 'atavistic criminal'?

    <p>An individual believed to have primitive biological traits leading to crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do trait theories question individual responses to aggression?

    <p>To understand the mixed responses to traffic disruptions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are biological predispositions linked to behavior in contemporary criminology?

    <p>They interact with social conditions to shape behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of behavior did Lombroso's theories particularly focus on?

    <p>Physical characteristics of criminals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines a mass murderer?

    <p>Someone who kills four or more victims in a single location over a short period of time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which category of crime does not involve physical harm to persons?

    <p>White-Collar Crimes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Active serial killers in the US are estimated to range from what numbers?

    <p>20-50 active serial killers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes hedonistic killers?

    <p>Individuals who derive sexual pleasure from their acts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a type of cybercrime?

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

    Which type of crime involves the destruction of information using computers?

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

    Power/control-oriented killers derive satisfaction from what aspect of their acts?

    <p>The control they exert over their victims</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is suggested as a major cause of crime according to social structure theorists?

    <p>Economic inequality and class stratification</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does social disorganization theory explain higher crime rates in certain neighborhoods?

    <p>Frequent movement of people and weak community ties</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT mentioned as influencing crime rates?

    <p>Access to healthcare</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What psychological effects of poverty are suggested in the context of crime?

    <p>Low self-worth, cynicism, and aggression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group is hypothesized to be more likely to commit crimes based on economic disadvantage?

    <p>Economically disadvantaged groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is implied about unemployment and crime?

    <p>Unemployed individuals are more likely to commit subsistence crimes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does the concentration of poverty have on neighborhoods?

    <p>Instability as residents leave for better opportunities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of neighborhoods with high crime rates?

    <p>Mixed-use spaces with high movement of people</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the term 'growing digital footprint'?

    <p>More data collected from internet users</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a category of cybercrime according to David Wall?

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

    Which feature of the digital society describes the ability to seek out and filter personal information?

    <p>Personal reality modification</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes cyberbullying?

    <p>Repeated harm through online communication</p> Signup and view all the answers

    State-initiated cybercrimes typically involve what type of activity?

    <p>Surveillance of citizens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following types of terrorism is characterized by using violence to instigate political change?

    <p>Nationalistic terrorism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common challenge posed by cybercrime?

    <p>Rapidly evolving new crimes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of political crime involves illegal actions by the state against its own population?

    <p>State political crimes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a negative consequence of constant communication in a digital society?

    <p>Blurring of public and private boundaries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary focus of Marxist criminology?

    <p>Fostering the accumulation of capital and controlling the poor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Marxist criminology, what often characterizes crimes committed by the wealthy?

    <p>They are frequently ignored by the legal system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Marxist criminology suggest about the causes of crime among the working class?

    <p>It arises from poverty and alienation due to capitalism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the capitalist class play in Marxist criminology according to the content?

    <p>They engage in harmful actions to protect their economic interests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What limit of Marxist criminology is mentioned regarding the understanding of certain crimes?

    <p>It fails to explain the role of psychological factors in some crimes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a suggested approach to crime prevention from a Marxist perspective?

    <p>Radical democracy and collective ownership</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes how structural causes influence crime according to Marxist criminology?

    <p>They are the primary drivers of crime for both classes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What essential social relationship does Marxist criminology aim to maintain according to its critics?

    <p>Legitimacy of the ruling class's interests</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    What is Theory?

    • Derives from the ancient Greek word meaning 'looking at, viewing, beholding'
    • Sets of statements that explain how and why concepts are related
    • Used for solving practical problems
    • Generalizes patterns in events
    • A qualified theory must allow conclusions to be proven through empirical validation.
    • Examples: dogs flying faster than birds, evolution by natural selection

    Why Theory? Is it Useful?

    • Theories are qualified through empirical validation and provide a reference point to explain observed events in society.
    • A theory about crime may explain why people of certain socioeconomic statuses are more likely to engage in criminal behavior.

    Theories of Crime

    • Theories seek to explain the 'why' behind crimes.
    • Many theories examine why people engage in criminal behavior and the definition of certain criminal acts.
    • Ex: Why do people engage in criminal behavior? Answer: people are naturally inclined to seek their own self-interest and will overstep boundaries unless deterred.

    Criminological Theories

    • Three broad levels of analysis: individual, situational, and structural
    • Individual Level: Focuses on personal traits like choices, biological, and psychological characteristics of the offender or victim
    • Situational Level: Focuses on the situation surrounding the crime, including environmental factors, influence of groups, or labels
    • Structural Level: Focuses on social relationships and social institutions and relationships between classes, races, or ethnic groups

    Classical Theory

    • Level of analysis: individual
    • Shaping contemporary criminal justice in Canada
    • Basic Principles:
    • Humans have equal capacity to reason
    • Individuals are self-seeking and self-interested
    • All human actions are voluntary (choice/free will)

    Classical Theory Continued

    • Key Ideas:
    • All human actions, including crime, are a result of choice
    • These choices are considered "rational"
    • Without limitations, people might harm others to pursue their own self-interest
    • Criminal behavior can be controlled by punishment (a cost-benefit analysis).
    • People engage in crime when it appears that the potential benefits outweigh the potential costs (punishment).
    • Society can be regulated through a social contract where people agree to certain sacrifices to ensure more benefit for most.

    Choice and Routine Activities Theory

    • Rational Choice theory is a key idea behind Routine Activities theory on victimology.
    • Crime occurs when there is opportunity
    • The absence of guardians, easy targets, & motivated offenders provides opportunity
    • Crime is prevented if its rational
    • Convince offenders choice to commit crime is poor

    Situational Crime Prevention

    • Reduces crime by limiting opportunities for potential criminals
    • Targets potential targets & controls the means to commit crimes

    Eliminating Crimes

    • Crime prevention strategies focused on rational choice theory:
    • Situational crime prevention
    • Specific/General Deterrence
    • Incapacitation

    General Deterrence Strategies

    • Crime rates influenced and controlled by the threat of punishment
    • Tactics to include: Mandatory sentencing, Aggressive policing, and threat of severe punishment (like capital punishment)
    • Idea is if people fear punishment, then they will not break the law

    Specific Deterrence

    • Severe punishment to prevent repeat crimes among known criminals (e.g., California's "three strikes" law)
    • Other methods include shame - like reintegrative shaming (Japan) - to prevent crime

    Incapacitation Strategies

    • Reducing crime by actively putting criminals in prison (long prison terms)

    Choice Theory vs Trait Theories: Similarities and Differences

    • Similarities: both focus on individual-level analysis
    • Differences: choice theory believes people act rationally and make free choices, while trait theory believes actions are determined by external factors like biology and psychology

    Positivist Criminology and Trait Theories of Crime

    • Applying natural sciences to understand social behavior
    • Social scientists as neutral observers
    • Human activity measurable through objective tests
    • Applying same principles to social world as to natural world
    • Explaining crime through factors like:
    • Biological factors
    • Psychological factors

    Subjective vs Objective

    • Subjective: based on personal feelings or opinions
    • Objective: verifiable, independent of feelings

    The Social Organism

    • Society like a living organism comprised of various interdependent parts.
    • Problems arise when there are malfunctions
    • Solution: strategies developed to address dysfunctions.

    Biological Trait Theories

    • Criminal behavior: inherent to the criminal (born or made)
    • Classical approaches
    • Criminals are born or made
    • Cesare Lombroso (atavistic criminal)
    • Criminals recognized by appearance: large ears, teeth and head shape
    • Contemporary approaches
    • Recognizes role of biological factors (urges/limitations) and social conditions
    • Recognizes these factors as interconnected

    Biochemical Conditions and Crime

    • Inherited biochemical factors, diet, environment affects antisocial behavior
    • Nutritional deficiencies
    • Hypoglycemia
    • Hormonal influences
    • Allergies
    • Environmental pollutants

    Neurophysiological Conditions

    • Neurological/physical abnormalities (pregnancy/shortly after birth)
    • Influences behavior
    • Abnormalities in brain leads to increased aggression and poor impulse control.
    • Conditions like Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Minimal Brain Dysfunction and ADHD

    Genetic and Evolutionary Conditions

    • Genetic conditions and crime: Genetic component to criminality
    • Evolutionary conditions and crime: Jealousy (protection) and aggression (survival) are inherent traits

    Psychological Trait Theories and Crime

    • Psychodynamic Perspective: Human consciousness has three parts; ID, Ego, & Superego
    • ID: biological drives
    • Ego: balances ID w/ society, formed during childhood
    • Superego: incorporate moral standards and values
    • Behavioral Theories: Learned behavior. Crime learned from social interactions
    • Cognitive Theories: How individuals perceive the world and develop morality - lack of moral development, limited understanding of universal values, and poor decision-making.

    Social and Policy Implications of Trait Theories

    • Shift to crime prevention: Moving from deterrence to rehabilitation and treating mental health issues
    • Reducing recidivism - interventions for those who have mental health problems
    • Early intervention - encouragement of parenting programs to reduce delinquency

    Social Structure Theories of Crime

    • Motivation for crime comes from socio-cultural environment.
    • Trait theories: social structure theories address broader societal factors
    • Ex. Inequality, social structures can increase risk of crime.

    Social Disorganization Theory

    • Crime rates are connected to specific characteristics of neighborhoods
    • High population turnover, movement, and mixing spaces correlate to weak community ties
    • Lack of essential services, proper housing, & low-income neighborhoods = instability, & support systems
    • Broken down communication & lack of common goals correlate with criminal behavior and deviance.

    Concentric Zone Theory

    • Focuses on transitional neighborhoods
    • High rates of population turnover, & insufficient investment in these neighborhoods

    Institutional Anomie Theory

    • High crime rates correlate with the American Dream, emphasizing wealth accumulation at the cost of community safety and well-being.

    Relative Deprivation Theory

    • Social inequality creates strain and resentment when people see others with more wealth and success, which potentially leads to criminal activity.

    General Strain Theory

    • Personal stress & strain lead to criminal behavior
    • Factors include strain from failure to achieve valued goals, removal of positive valued stimuli, & exposure to negative stimuli (e.g., abuse, victimization).

    Cultural Deviance Theory

    • Individuals in impoverished neighborhoods react to circumstances by rejecting middle-class values (hard work, education, restraint).
    • They adopt alternative values/norms/behaviors

    Theory of Differential Opportunity

    When individuals lack legitimate opportunities to succeed, they may turn to illegal activities to achieve their goals.

    Social Process Theories

    • Theories suggesting that people learn criminal behavior through social interactions
    • Three branches: Social Learning Theory; Labeling Theory; Social Conflict Theory

    Social Learning Theory

    • Crime can be learned from interacting with others who encourage it, especially those with whom a direct relationship
    • Exposure to bad behavior and values from significant others

    Labeling Theory

    • The human beings interpret the world they encounter.
    • How others label you forms your reality

    Social Conflict Theory

    • Powers & inequality shape crime
    • Focuses on power dynamics in society.
    • Those in power (wealthy) create laws to protect their interests
    • Social relationships and structures.

    Crime and Class Struggle

    • Conflict Theory: Criminal justice system used to uphold the interests of the powerful/maintain the existing order.
    • Crime is a product of inequality and class struggle.
    • Criminal laws and biases may benefit the ruling class.

    Marxist Criminology

    • Criminal justice reflects the economic system
    • Economic system drives the laws and justice system
    • Owners of means of production & power control social norms, values, and laws.

    Cybercrime

    • A new group of offenses with rapid evolution & difficulty detecting crimes.
    • Cybertheft, cybervandalism, cyberwar, cyberterrorism
    • Digital society issues: constant communication, increasing digital footprint
    • Alternate realities (like in the Dark Web)
    • Political Crime
    • Election fraud, espionage, state political crimes, & terrorism.

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    Description

    Explore the concept of theory and its application in understanding crime. This quiz delves into how theories provide explanations for criminal behavior and their validation through empirical evidence. Understand why theory is crucial for analyzing social behaviors and patterns.

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