Theories of Crime and Social Control

Rational Choice: Cost-benefit

Decision-making based on cost-benefit analysis.

Rational Choice: Brutalization Arguments

Violence increases through exposure to brutality.

Rational activity: Routine Activity

Crime occurs when ability, desire, opportunity align.

Biological Factors

Genetic and environmental influences on behavior.

Racist Criminalization

Disproportionate targeting of racial minorities in crime.

Environmental Racism

Health hazards disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

Testosterone Influence

Aggression linked to lack of mating opportunities.

Medicalization of Crime

Treating crime as a health issue.

Environmental Toxins

Pollutants affecting health and behavior.

Parenting Classes

Education to improve parenting skills and reduce crime.

Social Disorganization

Community breakdown leads to increased crime.

Subcultural Values

Norms differing from mainstream society's values.

Differential Opportunity

Access to resources varies by social class.

Subculture of Violence

Cultural acceptance of violence as a norm.

The Code of the Street/Suburb

Social rules governing behavior in urban areas.

Conflict Theory

Power dynamics shape societal structures and crime.

Social Strain

Discrepancy between goals and means leads to crime.

Life Course Theory

Focus on life stages impacting criminal behavior.

Social Control

Mechanisms that regulate individual behavior in society. Attachment, Commitment, Involvement, and Belief in the society

Neutralization Theory

Justifications used to excuse deviant behavior.

Labeling Theory

Labels influence self-identity and behavior.

Broken Windows Theory

Harshly punishing crimes will lead to less crime