Crime Causation: Sociological Theories

A collection of flashcards covering the major sociological theories of crime and delinquency, including definitions and key concepts.

Strain Theory

Posits that people turn to crime when they experience stress or strain, leading to frustration and maladaptive coping mechanisms.

General Strain Theory

Expands on strain theory by incorporating different types of strain leading to crime, emphasizing failure to achieve goals and negative stimuli.

Social Learning Theory

The theory that crime is learned predominantly through social interactions and reinforcements from peers and the environment.

Differential Reinforcement

Criminal behavior is cultivated when rewards for crime outweigh the punishments.

Control Theory

Examines why individuals conform to social norms rather than why they commit crimes, focusing on mechanisms that limit criminal behavior.

Labeling Theory

Focuses on the societal reactions to crime, suggesting that labels can intensify criminal behavior due to social stigmatization.

Social Disorganization Theory

Analyzes crime at the community level, exploring why some neighborhoods have higher crime rates based on characteristics like economic deprivation.

Critical Theories

Include Marxist, Institutional Anomie, and Feminist theories that examine the impact of social class, economic pressures, and gender roles on crime.

Integrated Theories

Synthesize various perspectives on crime causation, highlighting the interplay between strain, social learning, and control factors.

Routine Activities Theory

Suggests crime likelihood increases when motivated offenders meet attractive targets without capable guardians.

Rational Choice Perspective

Evaluates situational factors affecting crime decisions, focusing on cost-benefit analyses in criminal behavior.