Criminology Theories and Concepts

Cesare Beccaria

Father of Classical Criminology; argued that humans have free will, are rational, and that punishment should be swift, certain, severe enough to deter, and proportionate to the crime.

Jeremy Bentham

Classical criminologist who developed Utilitarianism and the Hedonistic Calculus (people weigh potential pleasure/rewards against potential pain/punishment before acting).

Cesare Lombroso

Father of Positivist Criminology; proposed that criminals are "atavistic" (evolutionary throwbacks or biologically underdeveloped) and identified physical stigmata (e.g., large jaw, asymmetric features).

Lombroso's Criminal Typology

Classified criminals into four types: 1) Born criminals, 2) Insane criminals, 3) Epileptic criminals, and 4) Occasional criminals.

William Sheldon & Somatotypes

Biological theory linking body type to personality/crime: 1) Mesomorphs (muscular/athletic, most linked to crime), 2) Endomorphs (soft/round), and 3) Ectomorphs (thin/fragile).

Émile Durkheim

Founder of functionalist sociology; argued crime is "normal," inevitable, and necessary because it reinforces shared social values, clarifies moral boundaries, and brings social cohesion.

Anomie

A state of "normlessness" proposed by Durkheim occurring during rapid social or economic change when societal rules break down and lose their ability to regulate desires.

Durkheim's 4 Types of Suicide

1) Egoistic (low integration), 2) Altruistic (excessive integration), 3) Anomic (low social regulation/normlessness), 4) Fatalistic (excessive regulation/oppression).

Robert Merton's Strain Theory

Theory stating crime occurs when there is a disconnect between cultural goals (e.g., the American Dream) and institutionalized means (legitimate opportunities) to achieve them.

Merton's Modes of Adaptation

1) Conformity (accept goals & means), 2) Innovation (accept goals, reject means -> crime), 3) Ritualism (reject goals, strictly follow means), 4) Retreatism (reject goals & means -> withdrawal), 5) Rebellion (replace goals & means).

Positivism vs. Classical School

Classical Criminology focuses on free will, rationality, and deterrence; Positivism relies on scientific method and determinism (behavior caused by biological, psychological, or social factors).

Routine Activities Theory

States crime requires 3 elements at the same time and place: 1) A motivated offender, 2) A suitable target, and 3) The absence of a capable guardian.