Lecture Notes on Critical Criminology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts from critical criminology, providing definitions and explanations to aid in understanding the material for the exam.

Critical Theory

A school of thought that challenges mainstream ideologies and critiques power structures, particularly within society and the justice system.

Critical Criminology

A perspective that critiques traditional criminology for overlooking the role of power dynamics, aiming to understand crime through the lens of social justice and inequality.

Positivism

A philosophical theory stating that only knowledge derived from science and empirical evidence is valid, often associated with determinism in criminology.

Classical Criminology

The first theoretical approach to crime, emerging in the mid-18th century, focusing on free will, rationality, and the social contract.

Anti-Essentialism

A rejection of the belief in fixed, inherent traits in identities, arguing that identities are socially constructed and fluid.

Strain Theory

A theory developed by Robert Merton suggesting that societal pressures can create a disconnect between cultural goals and legitimate means, leading to deviance.

Zemiology

The study of social harm, extending the focus of criminology beyond legal definitions of crime to include harmful acts that do not necessarily fit traditional crime models.

Moral Entrepreneurs

Individuals or groups who promote rules and label others as deviant, often vested in maintaining their social status and power.

Hegemony

A concept from Antonio Gramsci describing the dominance of one group over others, maintained through consent and ideology rather than force.

Differential Racialization

The concept that different racial groups have varied experiences and constructions of race that evolve in conjunction with historical and socio-economic contexts.

Intersectionality

A framework for understanding how various social and political identities (such as race, gender, and class) intersect and affect individuals' experiences of oppression or privilege.