Anthropology 169: The Ecology of Crime Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture notes for Anthropology 169, focusing on various aspects of criminology and crime data.

What is the total number of reported homicides in Los Angeles for November 2023?

1,032 homicides.

Who is the instructor for Anthropology 169 at UCLA?

Dr. Jeff Brantingham.

What is the title of the required textbook for this course?

Criminological Theory: A Brief Introduction.

What are the main grading components for the course?

Two midterms and a possible final exam.

What does the term 'mala in se' refer to in relation to crime?

Crimes that are inherently wrong or evil.

According to Dr. Jeff Brantingham's lecture, what is 'the strain theory'?

Crime as a response to abnormal conditions, focusing on societal goals and means.

What is the primary focus of social learning theories in the context of crime?

Crime is learned through social interactions and environmental influences.

According to the lecture, what does 'self-control theory' suggest?

Crime occurs when individuals lack self-control, which is developed through social attachments.

What did Emile Durkheim contribute to the understanding of crime?

He highlighted the dysfunction in the mismatch between societal goals and individual opportunities.

What is the 'Dramatic Fallacy' as mentioned in the course materials?

The misconception that crime is more prevalent or dangerous than statistics suggest.

What is 'the relationship between aggressive behavior and biological factors'?

Certain hormones, like testosterone, can influence aggressive behavior.

What concept describes the idea that crime is subjective and varies by society?

The 'Whatever-You-Think Fallacy'.

What does the 'Cops & Courts Fallacy' assert about crime prevention?

The public expectation that law enforcement can always prevent crime or apprehend criminals.

According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reports, what category does aggravated assault fall under?

Part I (serious) crimes.

What two factors contribute to the process of criminalization, as discussed in the lecture?

Cultural norms and legal definitions.

What is indicated by the statistics of crime among different racial groups mentioned in the lecture?

Crime rates and victim-offender dynamics based on race.

What does the term 'mala prohibita' refer to in criminal law?

Acts that are prohibited by law but are not intrinsically evil.

Can you name one psychological model discussed in relation to crime?

Psychoanalytic model, which focuses on subconscious motivations for crime.

What is the premise of the 'differential association theory'?

Criminal behavior is learned through social interactions.

What does the crime data from Los Angeles in November 2023 indicate about identity theft?

There were 2,316 reported identity theft cases.