Criminological Theory and Social Interaction

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to criminological theories, social interactions, labeling, and their implications.

Theory

A set of interconnected statements explaining how two or more events or factors are related.

Criminological Theory

Proposed explanations for the reasons crimes are committed, who commits them, and the social control mechanisms.

Macro Theories

Theories that cover large groups and focus on broad societal aspects such as economy and institutional barriers.

Micro Theories

Theories that focus on small groups or individuals and reason why certain individuals are more likely to commit crimes.

Logical Consistency

A criterion evaluating whether the central idea of a theory is clear, concise, and makes sense.

Parsimony

The simplicity of a theory, aiming to explain a wide range of phenomena with a limited number of propositions.

Empirical Validity

The necessity for a theory to be supported by scientific evidence; crucial for a theory's validity.

Labeling Theory

A theory suggesting that deviance is not an inherent quality but is a label applied by society.

Societal Reaction

The response from society that shapes the deviant identity and influences behavior.

Moral Panic

A condition where a person or group is defined as a threat to societal values, often amplified through media and public discourse.

Stigmatization

The process of attaching negative labels to individuals, resulting in social exclusion.

Reintegrative Shaming

A form of shaming that condemns the act but not the individual, aimed at reintegrating them back into society.

Cultural Criminology

An approach emphasizing the intersection of culture with crime and how cultural practices shape crime and its control.

Symbolic Interactionism

A theoretical perspective emphasizing the role of symbols and meanings in social interactions.

Empirical Evidence

Data and information that can be observed and measured to support or refute a theory.

Interpretation

The process through which individuals give meaning to their actions and the actions of others in social context.

Deviance Amplification

The process through which societal reactions to deviance increase the behavior of the deviant.