Critical Criminology and Its Variants

This set of flashcards covers the key concepts and definitions related to critical criminology and its various approaches, including structural, postmodern, republican, right-wing libertarian, traditionalist, feminist, and Marxist theories.

Critical Criminology

Study of crime that focuses on structural oppression and the societal factors contributing to crime, associated with Michel Foucault.

Structural oppression

Forms of oppression embedded in societal systems, including race, class, and gender.

Marginalization

The process of criminalizing certain races, reinforced by societal structures.

Antiracist campaigns

Initiatives aimed at reducing racism and discrimination to prevent crime.

Restorative Justice

A system of criminal justice that seeks the restoration of relationships between offenders, victims, and the community.

Communitarianism

Focus on community values and social responsibility in preventing and responding to crime, as proposed in Republican Criminology.

Reintegrative Shaming

A concept where offenders are shamed for their actions but are welcomed back into the community.

Dominant discourse

The prevailing narrative that imposes certain norms and values on a population, often linked to postmodern criminology.

Lack of alternatives

The absence of viable options for oppressed individuals, which can lead to crime.

Self-sanctioning conscience

An individual's ability to discern right from wrong, influenced by social and psychological factors.

Moral panics

Public fears or anxieties about crime, often leading to exaggerated perceptions of danger.

Patriarchy

A social system in which men hold primary power, contributing to crime and victimization of women.

Institutionalized inequality

Systemic social structures that perpetuate disadvantage for certain groups, particularly women.

Collective ownership

Shift of ownership of resources towards public or worker control, proposed in Marxist criminology.

Public accountability

The concept of holding powerful individuals and institutions responsible for their actions.