Motivation and criminal behaviour

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary motive for serial rape according to De Wet's studies?

Righteousness

Lust (correct)

Supremacy

Control

What are some possible motives for serial rape according to Stevenson?

Revenge, anger, and possession

Greed, envy, and lust

Jealousy, greed, and anger

Lust, righteousness rape, peer rape, control, supremacy, and fantasy (correct)

What is the motivation for hate crimes?

Hatred (correct)

Possession

Envy

Revenge

What is the link between anger and criminal behavior?

Anger can lead to a feeling of hate, which can motivate revenge Signup and view all the answers

According to Soyombo (2008), what is the definition of xenophobia?

The dislike of strangers or foreigners Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible cause of revenge crimes?

The desire for aggressive retaliation Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of envy and possessive jealousy in criminal behaviour?

They can lead to acts of violence or aggression Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential consequence of a community's reaction to crime through vigilante attacks?

The continuation of the cycle of violence Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea of the rational choice theory?

People choose their behavior based on the hedonistic calculus Signup and view all the answers

According to classical criminology, how can crime be controlled?

Through the fear of criminal sanctions Signup and view all the answers

What is the offender-specific characteristic of crime according to rational choice theorists?

The characteristics of the crime Signup and view all the answers

Who developed the classical school of criminology?

Cesare Beccaria Signup and view all the answers

According to rational choice theorists, what are some personal factors that motivate people to commit crime?

Anger, lust, and jealousy Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of traits theorists in explaining criminal behavior?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the framework of social institutions that sociological theories of crime touch on?

Social structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the key determinant of criminal behavior patterns according to social structure theorists?

Social forces operating in run-down lower-class areas Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of strain theory?

The conflict between a person's goals and the means to achieve them legally Signup and view all the answers

According to social process theories, what is the chief determinant of criminal behavior?

The techniques and attitudes of crime learned through socialisation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of social control theory?

The natural motivations towards criminal behavior that people must learn to curb Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of cultural deviance theory?

The unique strain and social isolation of lower-class culture Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a possible motive for a crime in the text?

Love Signup and view all the answers

What was the motive behind the Oscar Pistorius case according to the text?

Self-protection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following crimes is NOT mentioned as being possibly committed out of jealousy?

Robbery Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of analyzing the facts of each case according to the text?

To avoid making assumptions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a possible motive for murder in the text?

Pleasure Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the text?

To emphasize the importance of analyzing the facts of each case Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between power-assertion and power-reassurance rape?

Power-assertion rape is an expression of the rapist's virility and dominance, while power-reassurance rape is motivated by the rapist's attempt to resolve lingering doubts about his sexual adequacy and masculinity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main motivation behind anger rape?

The rapist's expression of anger and frustration. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main motivation behind sexually motivated/sadistic rape?

The rapist's sexual satisfaction derived from tormenting, humiliating and sadistically abusing the victim. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between power rape and sexually motivated/sadistic rape?

Power rape is motivated by the rapist's desire for sexual satisfaction, while sexually motivated/sadistic rape is motivated by the rapist's need for power and control over the victim. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Serial Rape Motives

Primary motive for serial rape identified in De Wet's studies centers around power and control over the victim.

Motives for Serial Rape

Stevenson highlights various motives, including psychological gratification, desire for dominance, and possible underlying mental health issues.

Hate Crimes Motivation

Motivations for hate crimes typically stem from prejudice, discrimination, and a desire to harm individuals due to their identity or perceived characteristics.

Link Between Anger and Criminal Behavior

Anger is strongly correlated with criminal behavior, often driving individuals to act out violently or irrationally.

Definition of Xenophobia

Xenophobia, as defined by Soyombo (2008), is an irrational fear or hatred of people from other countries or cultures.

Possible Cause of Revenge Crimes

Revenge crimes may be triggered by feelings of betrayal, perceived injustice, or personal loss, driving individuals to retaliate against those they blame.

Envy and Possessive Jealousy in Criminal Behavior

Envy and possessive jealousy can lead to criminal behavior, motivating individuals to commit acts of violence to retain control or punish perceived infidelity.

Community Reaction to Crime

Communities responding with vigilante attacks may foster further violence, lead to social unrest, and undermine trust in legal systems.

Rational Choice Theory Central Idea

Central idea of rational choice theory posits that individuals weigh costs and benefits of criminal behavior before making decisions.

Crime Control in Classical Criminology

Classical criminology suggests crime can be controlled through deterrence, imposing penalties that outweigh potential benefits of crime.

Offender-Specific Characteristics

Rational choice theorists emphasize that offender-specific characteristics, such as motives, skills, and opportunities, influence crime commission.

Classical School of Criminology Developer

The classical school of criminology was developed by Cesare Beccaria in the 18th century.

Personal Factors Motivating Crime

Rational choice theorists recognize personal factors, including economic status, upbringing, and psychological traits, that motivate someone to commit crime.

Traits Theorists Focus

Traits theorists primarily focus on identifying inherent personality traits and characteristics that predispose individuals to engage in criminal behavior.

Sociological theories of crime often explore how social institutions, such as family, education, and community, impact criminal behavior.

Key Determinant of Criminal Behavior Patterns

Social structure theorists argue that socioeconomic status, neighborhood conditions, and social disorganization are key determinants in shaping criminal behavior patterns.

Main Focus of Strain Theory

Strain theory focuses on how societal pressure and limited access to legitimate means of achieving success can foster criminal activity.

According to social process theories, the chief determinant of criminal behavior is the individual's social interactions and relationships.

Social control theory emphasizes the importance of societal bonds and the influence of socialization in preventing criminal behavior.

Main Focus of Cultural Deviance Theory

Cultural deviance theory explores how conformity to the values and norms of a particular subculture can lead to criminal activity.

Motives for Crime

The text considers various motives for crime but does not mention revenge as a primary motive.

Oscar Pistorius Case Motive

The motive behind the Oscar Pistorius case relates to a complex mix of fear and misunderstanding, resulting in tragic outcomes.

The text does not identify stalking as a crime potentially committed out of jealousy.

Importance of Case Analysis

Analyzing the facts of each case is crucial for understanding personal motivations, contexts, and nuances of criminal behavior.

Murder Motives Not Mentioned

The text does not mention financial gain as a possible motive for murder specifically.

Purpose of the Text

The purpose of the text is to examine diverse motives behind criminal behavior and the theories explaining them.

Power-Assertion vs. Power-Reassurance Rape

Power-assertion rape involves exerting dominance over victims, while power-reassurance rape focuses on the offender's need for validation.

Motivation Behind Anger Rape

Anger rape primarily stems from the offender's rage, often unrelated to sexual desire but driven by emotional turmoil.

Motivation Behind Sexually Motivated/Sadistic Rape

Sexual motivation and sadistic gratification drive sexually motivated/sadistic rape, as offenders derive pleasure from the act of violation.

Power Rape vs. Sexually Motivated/Sadistic Rape

Power rape focuses on domination over the victim, while sexually motivated/sadistic rape involves deriving pleasure from the victim's suffering.

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Description

Test your knowledge on motives and its causes with this quiz. Learn about the distinction between the "in-group" and "out-group" and the impact it has on attitudes towards foreigners. Challenge yourself with questions on the roots of xenophobia and its manifestations in society.