Theories of criminology quiz

Utilitarianism

A philosophical theory stating that laws should be based on what is practical and realistic rather than on an idealistic moral view

Positivist

Focused on biological and psychological factors to explain criminal behaviour

Anomie theory

A sociological hypothesis arguing that criminal behaviour is more likely to thrive in an anonymous urban setting than in a more traditional rural setting

Ecological School

A sociological theory arguing that poor or transient communities are more likely to condone criminal activity than more affluent neighborhoods

Social Conflict Theories

Hypothesis arguing that criminal behaviour is more likely in a capitalist society because of increased competition for scarce resources and wealth

Consensus Theorists

People who assume there is a universal or communal definition of right and wrong and that our criminal law reflects that consensus

Who was Jeremy Bentham

An English philosopher who was one of the most famous proponents of the classical school of thought

What did Bentham believe law should be based on?

A social contract between the government and the people, with each side accepting certain consequences if the contract was broken

What did Bentham believe the role of the government was?

To make clear what sorts of behaviours would be considered criminal and to establish limits on the degree to which government could use its power to punish citizens.

Describe the findings of Cesare Lombroso

Lombroso studied cadavers of criminals in an attempt to determine physical differences between criminals and non-criminals. He believed that serious offenders were born as such and had inherited physical traits.

What is the XYY theory?

• Positivist criminologists in the 1960s believed that violent male criminals had an abnormal XYY chromosome

• different from the normal XY pattern in males.

• Didn’t make sense because many criminals did not have the abnormality and many people who did have it were not criminals.

What did Emile Durkheim argue regarding anomie theory

Emile Durkheim argued that the bonds between an individual and society weakened when they moved to an urban setting. Because of anonymity and the individual’s isolation within the urban environment, crime would ensue.

What type of communities did the Ecological school believe had more criminal activity?

Believed that poor or transient neighbourhoods were more susceptible to high crime rates and to condone criminal activity.

How did Karl Marx and Frederick Engels contribute to social conflict theory?

• Both believed that crime is a product of a capitalist society in which there is competition for resources and wealth, which makes crime inevitable

• Both believed our justice system protects those in power by defining laws and therefore punishing those with lower socioeconomic status.

Rational choice theory

Many criminals calculate the costs and benefits of engaging in criminal activity

Deterrence theory

The sociological hypothesis that if the risks outwigh the benefits and punishment is almost certain, most rayional people will not knowingly break the law

Strain theory

The idea that people commit criminal acts out of desperation or frustration at being unable to fulfill wants or needs legally

Socialisation theory

The idea that nurture is more influential in criminal behaviour than nature (genetics)

Biological trait theory

The idea that individuals can be predisposed to criminal activity due to genetic factors

Neurophysiological theory

That certain neurological dysfunctions and genetic defects are connected to some types of criminal behaviour

How does strain theory explain the reason for crime in societies that stress wealth, success, and power?

People commit crime because they cannot achieve their goals and desires through legitimate means. In a modern sense, it dictates that the goals of wealth and success and the means to achieve them like education or economic resources are denied to individuals who are economically disadvantaged.

How is socialization theory different from social conflict theories?

Socialization theory suggests that criminal behaviour is a product of upbringing, whereas social conflict theory suggests crime is a product of capitalism.

What is the modern version of positivist theory?

Biological trait theory- certain traits may predispose a person to engage in criminal behaviour

What are some biochemical causes for criminal behaviour suggested by biological trait theory?

Poor diet, influence of hormones, exposure to alcohol or drugs while in the womb