Soc109 2

Classical Criminology

A school of thought that emphasizes individualistic explanations for criminality and deviance.

Deterrence

The prevention of crime through the threat of punishment.

Rational Choice Theory

The theory suggesting that individuals make decisions by weighing the costs and benefits.

Situational Crime Prevention

Strategies aimed at reducing crime by altering the environment to make it more difficult to commit offenses.

Anomie

A state of normlessness where individuals feel disconnected from societal norms.

Mechanical Solidarity

A social order based on homogeneity of individuals and shared values typical of pre-modern societies.

Organic Solidarity

A social order based on interdependence and the specialization of roles in modern societies.

Merton's Modes of Adaptation

Five responses to strain: Conformity, Innovation, Ritualism, Retreatism, and Rebellion.

Social Disorganization Theory

The theory that a breakdown in social structures leads to high crime rates.

Code of the Streets

A subcultural adaptation that establishes guidelines for behavior and the importance of respect in marginalized communities.

Collective Efficacy

The shared belief in a community's ability to achieve collective goals and maintain social order.

Self-Control Theory

The theory that low self-control leads to criminal behavior and impulsive actions.

General Strain Theory

Agnew's theory that considers non-monetary stressors as significant contributors to crime.

Legal Consciousness

The way individuals understand and interpret the law in their everyday lives.

Routine Activities Theory

Theory stating that crime occurs when a motivated offender, suitable target, and lack of capable guardianship converge.

Neo-Classical Theories

Theories that suggest the certainty of punishment is more effective than severity in deterring crime.

Just Deserts

The principle that punishment should be proportionate to the crime committed.

Structural Inequalities in the Court System

Disparities in legal representation and outcomes based on social status, race, and financial背景.

Social Learning Theory

The theory that behavior is learned through interactions with others and by observing their actions and consequences.

Labeling Theory

A theory that suggests that labels society assigns to individuals can influence their self-identity and subsequent behavior.

Routine Activities Approach

An approach that prioritizes the roles of daily patterns and social interactions in the occurrence of crime.

Fear of Crime

The concern individuals have regarding crime and its potential impacts, which can influence behavior and social interactions.

Cultural Criminology

An approach that examines the relationship between culture, crime, and social control.

Victimology

The study of victims and the psychological effects of being a victim of crime.

White Collar Crime

Non-violent crime committed for financial gain within a business context.

Conflict Theory

A perspective that views crime as a result of social and economic inequalities and power struggles.

Restorative Justice

An approach to justice that focuses on repairing harm caused by criminal behavior through reconciliation between offenders and victims.

Subculture Theory

The idea that certain groups or subcultures have values and norms that differ from mainstream society, which may lead to deviance.

Opportunity Theory

A theory that suggests that crime rates are influenced by the availability of opportunities to commit crimes.

Social Control Theory

The theory that proposes that societal and familial bonds discourage individuals from engaging in criminal behavior.

Diversion Programs

Interventions designed to redirect offenders from the criminal justice system to alternative forms of treatment or punishment.

Environmental Criminology

The study of how environmental factors influence crime patterns and opportunities for criminal behavior.

Criminal Justice System

The network of agencies and processes established by governments to control crime and impose penalties on those who violate laws.

Displacement Theory

The concept that crime may be redirected to another area or form when preventive measures are applied to a specific target.

Recidivism

The tendency of previously incarcerated individuals to reoffend and return to criminal behavior.

Serious Violence Prevention

Strategies aimed at reducing serious violent crime through community engagement and intervention programs.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

A strategy aimed at reducing crime by modifying physical environments to increase security.