JSB170 Introduction to criminology and policing

Flashcards covering individual theories of crime from a criminology lecture, including biological, psychological, and social learning perspectives.

Theory (in criminology)

A framework or set of ideas used to explain and understand crime, criminal behavior, and the functioning of the criminal justice system.

Micro-Level Theories

Focus on individual-level explanations for criminal behavior.

Macro-Level Theories

Focus on societal-level factors that influence crime rates and patterns.

Pre-Classical Context

Before the 18th century, explanations for crime were rooted in religious/moral frameworks, arbitrary justice systems, and brutal punishments.

Classical School of Criminology

Crime is an outcome of individuals exercising their free will and individual choice; punishments should be proportional to deter rational individuals.

Positivism in Criminology

Crime is explained by examining individual biological or psychological factors that predispose certain people towards criminality.

Late modern/Postmodern Individual Theories

Crime is socially contingent and constructed, influenced by power imbalances and societal definitions.

Cesare Lombroso

Studied anatomical features to identify a physical criminal type based on the theory of atavism (reversion to ancestral type).

Twin Studies

Investigate the genetic and environmental influences on criminal behavior using twin pairs, results showing MZ twins have higher concordance rates for shared criminality compared to DZ twins.

Biosocial Theories of Crime

Explore the interplay between biological factors and social environments in explaining criminal behavior.

The Theory of Criminal Personality: Hans Eysenck

Crime is the result of interaction between environment and individual psychology; different personalities are more susceptible to certain crimes.

Core Personality Dimensions (Eysenck)

Extroversion, Neuroticism, and Psychoticism

Impulsivity Theory of Crime

Argue that impulsivity is the key personality feature associated with antisocial behavior.

Adolescent-limited offenders

Offending starts and ends during adolescence.

Life Course Persistent (LCP) offenders

Have neuropsychological deficits from birth that generate a cycle resulting in an impulsive personality style.

Gottfredson and Hirschi's General Theory of Self-Control

Individuals learn not to offend by developing self-control, which is crucial during ages 8-10.

Social Learning Theory: Albert Bandura

Behavior is learned socially through observation, modeling, and vicarious reinforcement or punishment.

Key elements of Social Learning

Attention, Retention, Reproduction, and Motivation.

Rational Choice Theory: Cornish & Clarke

Individuals are rational actors who make calculated decisions about whether to engage in criminal activity, weighing potential benefits against potential costs.