StudyGuide PDF

What is Crime? Definition: Crime is generally defined as an action that violates the laws established by a society. It includes acts that cause harm or pose a threat to public safety, order, or morals. Key Concepts: Deviance: Not all deviant behaviors are crimes, but all crimes are consider...

What is Crime? Definition: Crime is generally defined as an action that violates the laws established by a society. It includes acts that cause harm or pose a threat to public safety, order, or morals. Key Concepts: Deviance: Not all deviant behaviors are crimes, but all crimes are considered deviant. Consensus vs. Conflict Views: Some theorists believe that laws reflect a societal consensus on right and wrong, while others argue they often protect the interests of the powerful (e.g., Marxist perspectives). 2. Typologies and Patterns of Crime Typologies: These are ways to classify crimes to better understand and analyze them. Some common types include: Violent Crimes: Actions like homicide, assault, and robbery. Property Crimes: Burglary, larceny, arson, and theft. White-Collar Crimes: Crimes committed by individuals in a professional setting, like fraud or embezzlement (term coined by Edwin Sutherland). Cybercrimes: Crimes involving computers or the internet, like hacking and online fraud. Patterns: Criminologists study patterns to identify trends in crime, such as: Crime tends to peak in adolescence and young adulthood. There may be seasonal patterns (e.g., more property crimes in the summer). 3. Media and Crime Media Influence: The media plays a significant role in shaping public perception of crime. The way crimes are reported can often lead to fear and misconceptions. Moral Panics: Stanley Cohen developed the concept of moral panic, describing how media exaggerates certain behaviors (like juvenile delinquency) to create public fear. Crime Dramas: Television and movies often portray criminals and law enforcement in sensationalized ways, which can distort our understanding of crime. 4. Race and Crime Racial Disparities: Statistics often show disparities in crime rates and incarceration rates across different racial groups, which are influenced by multiple social and economic factors. Theories and Contributors: Conflict Theory: This perspective, influenced by Karl Marx, suggests that racial disparities in crime statistics are partly due to systemic inequalities and biases in the legal system. Labeling Theory: Howard Becker and others argue that once a person is labeled a criminal, especially minority individuals, they may internalize this label, which can influence future behavior. 5. Biological Influences on Criminal Behavior Overview: Biological theories suggest that genetics, neurobiology, and other physiological factors can play a role in criminal behavior. Key Theorists: Cesare Lombroso: Often considered the father of criminology, he proposed that criminals have biological traits that make them "born criminals." Adrian Raine: A modern psychologist who studied the brains of violent criminals, suggesting that certain brain abnormalities might be linked to aggressive behavior. 6. Psychological Theories of Crime Overview: These theories look at individual mental processes and personality traits to explain criminal behavior. Key Theories: Psychoanalytic Theory: Sigmund Freud suggested that unresolved unconscious conflicts can result in deviant behavior. Unmet desires or traumatic experiences in childhood could lead to criminal actions. Personality Theory: Hans Eysenck proposed that certain personality traits, especially impulsiveness and risk-taking, make individuals more prone to criminal behavior. 7. Sociological Theories of Crime Overview: Sociological theories examine how social environment and relationships influence criminal behavior. Key Theories and Theorists: Strain Theory (Robert Merton): Suggests that crime arises when people cannot achieve socially accepted goals (like wealth) through legitimate means. Social Disorganization Theory (Shaw and McKay): Proposes that crime is more prevalent in neighborhoods with weak social ties, poverty, and high mobility. Labeling Theory (Howard Becker): Argues that society labels certain behaviors as deviant, and individuals who are labeled as "criminals" may accept this label and act accordingly. 8. Learning Theories Overview: These theories focus on how criminal behaviors are learned from one’s environment and associations. Key Theories and Theorists: Differential Association Theory (Edwin Sutherland): Argues that criminal behavior is learned through interaction with others, especially in intimate groups. Social Learning Theory (Albert Bandura): Suggests that people learn not only through direct experience but also by observing others' actions and consequences, such as in family or peer groups.