SECTION 2: THEORIES OF CRIME II — RATIONAL CHOICE & SOCIAL CONTROL

Positivism vs. Determinism: What do positivists (like Durkheim) believe about studying social behaviour?

That social behaviour can be studied scientifically to discover general laws of society

Positivism vs. Determinism: What do determinist argue about behaviour?

Human behaviour is predetermined by external forces, knowing current conditions allow prediction of future outcomes

Positivism vs. Determinism: How do positivism and determinism relate to crime theories?

they relate as both view human behaviour as shaped by external or discoverable laws, emphasizing prediction and control over moral judgement

Travis Hirschi's Critique of Sociology: What did Hirschi argue about traditional sociology?

it rejected rational choice explanations in favour of external causes like poverty or culture

Travis Hirschi's Critique of Sociology: What does Hirschi mean by rejecting automation conformist?

he opposed the idea that people are passive beings molded entirely by social forces

Travis Hirschi's Critique of Sociology: What does Hirschi emphasize instead?

1. individual agency

2. ration decision making

3. personal responsibility in crime

Ration Choice theory - Foundations: What philosophical tradition is rational choice theory based on?

classic utilitarianism (Bentham and Mill)

Ration Choice theory - Foundations: What is the core assumption of rational choice theory?

people act to maximize pleasure and minimize pain

Ration Choice theory - Foundations: When does crime occur according to Rational choice theory

when the perceived benefits of offending outweigh the perceived risks

Ration Choice theory - Foundations: What modern theories and policies stem from the idea of RCT?

Deterrence theory and modern criminal justice policy

• emphasizing punishment and risk calculation

Social control theory - Expanded: How does expanded social control theory combine perspectives?

it merges rational calculations (agency, capacity of an individual to act according to their own free will and to make choices that shape their own life and environment) with the influence of social controls and norms

Social control theory - Expanded: What assumption does it make about individuals?

Everyone is capable of crime if the "price is right", when benefits exceed costs and detection risk is low

Social control theory - Expanded: What types of crime does this theory apply to?

Both white collar and street crime

Integrating Rational Choice and Social Control (Hirschi, 2017): What did Hirschi mean by "We need theories of offenders and theories of offenses"?

control theory explains who is likely to offend (criminality), while rational choice explains when and why offenses occur (situations)

Integrating Rational Choice and Social Control (Hirschi, 2017): How do these theories complement each other?

Social Control Theory (SCT): Focuses on who offends (an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way)

Rational Choice Theory (RTC): Focuses on when/why crimes happen (situations)

Integrating Rational Choice and Social Control (Hirschi, 2017): What is the benefit of integrating SCT and RCT?

it creates a more complete understanding of both criminal motivation and situational opportunity

Descriptions of Offenders: What are typical characteristics of offenders according to control theory?

they seek immediate gratification, focus on short-term pleasure, and they have little foresight

Descriptions of Offenders: How can noncriminal behaviours substitute for crime?

activities like quitting a job, drinking, or avoiding responsibility can serve similar functions for release or control

Descriptions of Offenders: What is the "loser imagine" in control theory?

the idea that offenders commit crime because they lack legitimate prospects or achievements

Life Course Criminology (Sampson & Laub): What key ideas does life-course criminology build on?

builds on hirschi's notions that people can change over time and that criminality is not fixed

Life Course Criminology (Sampson & Laub): What are examples of positive "turning points"?

marriage, stable employment, or military service, all help desistance from crime

Life Course Criminology (Sampson & Laub): What is the knife-off effect"?

The process where new social roles help individuals shed a deviant identify

Life Course Criminology (Sampson & Laub): How can early system involvement affect desistance?

it can hinder change by reinforcing a criminal label (labelling effect)

Implications: How does traditional control theory view criminality?

as a stable, enduring trait that requires external social control

Implications: How does life-course theory view criminality?

As a dynamic, changing trait that evolves with life circumstances

Implications: What policy implications follow from life course theory?

emphasize socialization, supportive relationships, and creating legitimate opportunities for change