Criminological theory

Chicago School

A theory from the early 20th century that suggests crime is a product of a person's environment, associated with social disorganization.

Social Disorganization Theory

A criminology theory that links crime and delinquency to a community's ability to organize and share values.

Concentric Zones

A model that describes urban land use in terms of concentric rings, each with different socioeconomic characteristics.

Zone II: Zone in Transition

An area characterized by poverty, deteriorating housing, and high crime rates.

Elijah Anderson’s Code of the Street

A set of informal rules governing interpersonal public behavior, wherein respect is central.

Robert E. Park

A sociologist who argued that city growth follows a natural pattern of evolution.

Focal Concerns

Miller’s concept referring to the lower-class cultural value system which includes fate, autonomy, trouble, toughness, excitement, and smartness.

Patriarchy

A social system where men hold primary power, influencing social, political, and economic structures.

Attachment Theory

A psychological model that describes the dynamics of long-term interpersonal relationships, particularly those between caregivers and children.

Labeling Theory

A theory suggesting that deviance is a result of society's labels, which influence individual behavior and life outcomes.

Restorative Justice Theory

A theory aimed at repair through focusing on the needs of victims, offenders, and communities, emphasizing healing over punishment.

Roughnecks and Saints

A study by Eliott Chambliss analyzing the differing societal perceptions and treatments of two groups of boys engaging in delinquent behavior.

Passive Women Myth

The stereotype that women are naturally more passive and less inclined to commit crimes.

Holistic Approaches to Crime

Approaches that consider various factors influencing crime, highlighting the need for gender-responsive policies.

Feminist Theory of Delinquency

Group of theories examining how gender shapes crime, experiences of female offenders, and critiques of male-centric criminology.

Strain Theory

A theory focusing on how societal pressures contribute to criminal behavior, with adaptations based on coping mechanisms.

Social Learning Theory

A theory stating that people learn behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions through observing others.

Routine Activities Theory

A theory suggesting that crime occurs when a motivated offender, suitable target, and lack of capable guardianship converge.

Conflict Theory

A sociological perspective that sees social behavior as the result of tension and conflict between groups competing for resources.

Labeling Theory

A theory that posits societal labels can significantly influence an individual's self-identity and behavior.

Control Theory

A theory that evaluates why individuals refrain from criminal behavior, focusing on social bonds and controls.

Victimology

The study of victims and their relationships to offenders, including the effects of crime on individuals.

Deterrence Theory

A theory suggesting that the threat of punishment will deter individuals from committing crimes.

Criminal Justice System

The system of practices and institutions aimed at upholding social control, deterring crime, and sanctioning those who violate laws.

Subculture Theory

A theory that suggests criminal behavior can arise from values, beliefs, and norms of a subculture that differ from the mainstream.

Situational Crime Prevention

Strategies aimed at reducing crime opportunity by implementing changes in environment, making it less likely for crime to occur.