HAS262 Theory - Concept Flash Cards

Deterrence Theory

Crime decreases when punishment is certain, severe and swift

Rational Choice Theory

People weigh costs and benefits before offending

Routine Activities Theory

Crime needs an offender, target and lack of guardian

Biological Criminology

Crime is influence by genetics and biology

Biosocial Criminology

Crime results from biological and social factors interacting

Psychological Criminology

Crime is influenced by personality and mental processes

Trait Theory

Certain personality traits increase offending

Anomie

A state of normlessness or weak social regulation

Strain Theory

Blocked opportunities create pressure toward crime

Merton’s Strain Theory

Crime results from pursuing goals through illegitimate means

General Strain Theory

Negative Experiences create emotions that can lead to crime

Social Disorganisation Theory

Weak communities have higher crime

Collective Efficacy

Communities prevent crime through trust and intervention

Broken Windows Theory

Disorder encourages more disorder and crime

Spatial criminology

Crime is shaped by places and environments

Differential Association Theory

Crime is learned from close social groups

Social Learning Theory

Crime is learned through imitation and reinforcement

Differential Opportunity Theory

Crime depends on access to criminal opportunities

Labelling Theory

Being labelled deviant can increase offending

Primary Deviance

Initial rule-breaking behaviour

Secondary Deviance

Offending after adopting a deviant identity