CRI10001 - Criminological Theories Table - Completed PDF

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Table summary of Criminological Theories ...

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CRI10001CriminologicalTheoriesSummary  Main Theories

Causeof Crime

Psychological /BiologicalTheories

SociologicalTheories SocialStructureTheory Socialandeconomicforces operatingonthelower‐class pushthemintocriminal behaviour.

Socialdisorganisationtheories focusonthebreakdownin inner‐cityneighbourhoodsof institutionssuchasfamily, schoolandemployment.

SocialProcess Theories Socialprocessesand interactionswithin societythatshape peopletoengagein criminalbehaviours. Sociallearningtheory: Criminalbehaviouris learnedthroughthe norms,values,and behavioursassociated withcriminalactivity andthepsychological aspectsofcriminality.

Socialcontroltheory: Straintheories:Crimeisa Peoplecommitcrimes directresultoffrustrationand whenpeople’sbonds angeramongthelowerSE toinstitutions(e.g., classesbecausetheydonot schools)and Subtheories havelegitimatemeansbywhich individuals(e.g., toachievethegoalsthatare w/Key family;positivepeers) valuedinthatsociety. Ideas arebroken. Culturaldeviancetheory combinessocialdisorganisation andstraintheories.Frustration experiencedbythelowerSE classleadstocreationofnew subculturethatdeviatesfrom conventionalsocialnorms. Criminalbehaviourisan expressionofconformityto lower‐classsubculturalvalues andtraditions,notarebellion fromconventionalsociety.

Socialreactiontheory: Whengivennegative labelsbyauthority figures,peopleaccept thoselabelsasa personalidentity;this acceptanceleadsto additional deviant/criminal behaviour,andsetsup aself‐fulfilling prophecy.

SocialConflict& CriticalCrim

RationalChoice Theory

Economic,social, andpolitical disparity.

Aftercareful consideration,people commitcrimewhen benefitsoutweigh costs.

Leftrealism:Crime isafunctionof relative deprivation; criminalspreyon thepoor.

Generaldeterrence: Focusedongeneral criminalbehaviour. Crimeisthefunction oftheseverity, certainty,andspeed ofpunishment.

Criticalfeminism: Genderinequality isaresultofthe exploitationof womeninamale‐ dominatedsociety. Women’srole withinsocietyand familiesresultsin criminalbehaviour. Peacemaking criminology: Contendthat traditionalcrime controlstrategies encouragecrime. Crimecanbe reducedby humanisticconflict resolutionand socialpoliciesthat createequality.

Specificdeterrence: Focusedonpeople whohavealready offended(targets recidivism).If punishmentissevere enough,criminalswill notrepeattheirillegal acts.

Incapacitation: Keepingknown criminalsoutof circulation(i.e., behindbars)will reducecrimerates.

TraitTheory

Criminalityisaproduct ofabnormalbiological orpsychologicaltraits. Biosocialtraits:Each subtheoryfocuseson differenttraits. Biochemicaldiet, vitaminintake, hormonalbalance,or foodallergies. NeurologicalBrain impairment.Genetic Criminalityisinherited. EvolutionaryTraits evolvedthatmakeus aggressive& predisposedtocrime. Psychologicaltraits: Eachsubtheoryfocuses ondifferenttraits. Psychodynamic Developmentof unconsciouspersonality earlyinlife;criminals haveweakegos& damagedpersonalities. BehaviouralModel behaviourafterothers; criminalityreinforced. Cognitive Perceptionsdrive behaviour.

Developmental Theories *integrated* Criminalityisadynamic process,influencedby socialexperiences& individual characteristics. Life coursetheory: Peopleandsocial, psychological,& economictraitscan changeoverlife course.Family,job, peersinfluence behaviour. Propensitytheory: Peopledonotchange, criminalopportunities change;maturity bringsfewer opportunities.General TheoryofCrime focusesonimpulsivity &alackofself‐control. Trajectorytheory: Thereismorethanone path(overt,covert, authorityconflict pathways)toacriminal career.Adolescent‐ limitedoffenders offendasyouth,but notadults.Lifecourse persistersbeginyoung andcontinueinto adulthood....