Criminology Lecture Notes: Introduction to Theories and Social Factors

Flashcards covering key sociological and psychological theories related to criminology, including rational choice, Freudian concepts, social disorganization, and broken windows theory, along with related concepts from the lecture.

Rational Choice Theory

A theory suggesting that before committing a crime, a person weighs the perceived benefits against the potential costs, and will commit the crime if benefits are greater.

Warrior Gene

A specific gene, often linked with a history of abuse, that is suggested to influence criminal behavior.

Testosterone and Crime

Elevated levels of testosterone are linked to criminal activity in males.

Genetics and Brain Activity in Crime

The study of how genetics and brain activity influence criminal behavior and individual susceptibility.

Mental Health and Violence

While there may be a correlation, some mental illnesses can be said to cause violent behavior.

Sigmund Freud's Id, Ego, and Superego

Psychological concepts taken by criminology to explain individual behavior: the id (instincts), ego (reality), and superego (morality).

Color Psychology (Shopping Experience)

The use of specific lighting colors (e.g., yellow, white) in retail, particularly dressing rooms, to influence perception of clothing color and mood.

Organizational Psychology

The study of organizations and the culture of a business, including how workplace environments and interactions influence behavior.

Id (Freudian Concept)

Represents the primitive, instinctual part of the mind, characterized by a 'me and mine' mentality, especially prevalent in younger ages.

Ego (Freudian Concept)

Serves as the mediator between the id and superego, operating on the reality principle, trying to figure things out in the middle.

Superego (Freudian Concept)

The part of the mind that internalizes societal and parental standards of morality, typically developing after the id and ego.

Psychopath

An individual who may have no feelings whatsoever, characterized by a very level demeanor, as exemplified by Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Sociopath

An individual who gets stuck on specific ways of thinking, unable to adapt, differing from a psychopath.

Social Psychology

The study of how humans relate and influence one another.

Shrinking Biological and Psychological Views of Criminality

A perspective that antisocial behavior should be identified and treated before it manifests, often starting with minor acts of deviance.

Social Disorganization Theory

A sociological theory stating that crime rates are elevated in areas with a breakdown of institutions such as school and family, leading to disorganized society.

Strain Theory

A sociological theory suggesting that individuals are strained from achieving societal goals due to lack of resources (e.g., finances), leading to deviant behavior.

Cultural Theory (Criminology)

A sociological theory that examines how the culture of a society or neighborhood influences behavior, including criminal tendencies.

Disenfranchisement and Economics (Neighborhoods)

The idea that economic factors, such as the presence of banks for lending and development, are indicative of opportunities or lack thereof in a neighborhood.

Individual Deviances

The concept that personal behavior can deviate from social norms, often linked to factors like poverty, discrimination, and lack of opportunity.

Breakdown of Social Controls

Consequences of social disorganization where family and educators are replaced by peer groups as primary influences on youth, potentially leading to gangs.

Cultural Transmission (Crime)

The process by which younger individuals adopt delinquent behavior modeled by older peers, often driven by material aspects and the perception of quick money.

Age Out of Crime

The phenomenon where individuals, typically as they mature, stop engaging in criminal behavior, often due to biological clock changes or a desire for a different life.

Recidivism Rates

The rate at which convicted criminals re-offend after being released from prison.

Broken Windows Theory (James Q. Wilson)

A theory suggesting that visible signs of crime, civil disorder, and neglect in an urban environment (e.g., graffiti, high grass) encourage further crime and disorder.