Criminology Theories Overview

Flashcards summarizing key criminology theories and their concepts.

Anomie

A breakdown of social norms leading to social instability and crime; suggests crime arises when there's a disconnect between societal goals and available means.

Classical School of Criminology

Theoretical perspective arguing that crime is committed out of free will and rational choice, promoting punishment as a deterrent.

Concentric Zone Theory

The theory that urban environments influence crime, indicating that cities grow outwards in rings with highest crime rates in the zone of transition.

Conflict Theory

A theory asserting that crime arises from class struggles and power imbalances, serving the interests of the wealthy and oppressing marginalized groups.

Containment Theory

Developed by Walter Reckless, it suggests individuals resist crime due to inner and outer containments; weak containments can lead to criminal behavior.

Social Learning Theory

Concept developed by Albert Bandura; asserts that criminal behavior is learned through interactions and reinforced by observation and imitation.

Differential Opportunity Theory

Proposed by Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin; suggests people have different access to legitimate and illegitimate means of achieving success.

Labeling Theory

Developed by Howard Becker and Edwin Lemert; argues that being labeled as a criminal leads individuals to internalize that identity and continue criminal behavior.

The Laws of Imitation

Gabriel Tarde's theory that crime spreads through imitation of others, particularly from those one admires or looks up to.

Neutralization Theory

Developed by Gresham Sykes and David Matza; argues that those who commit crime justify actions through techniques that deny responsibility or injury.

Social Bond Theory

Travis Hirschi's theory that strong social bonds prevent criminal behavior, encompassing attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief.

Social Disorganization Theory

Shaw and McKay's theory that crime thrives in neighborhoods with weak social institutions, high mobility, and lack of community cohesion.

Somatotyping

Developed by William Sheldon; classifies people into body types suggesting mesomorphs are more prone to criminal behavior.

Strain Theory

Robert Merton's theory explaining how social structure and goals relate to crime; many experience strain when means to achieve goals are lacking.