Criminological Theories and Key Concepts

Important Terms and Theories in Criminology

General Overview

  • Active engagement in lectures and readings enhances understanding of criminological terms.
  • Theories should not only be memorized but understood and discussed.
  • All theories are connected to social context and policy implications.

Chapter 1

  • Key Concepts:
    • Crime
    • Measurement Methods:
    • UCR (Uniform Crime Reporting)
    • NCVS (National Crime Victimization Survey)
    • Criminality
    • Theory
    • Social Context of Crime
    • Theory-Policy Connection

Chapter 2

  • Schools of Thought:
    • Spiritualism
    • Classical School:
    • Emphasizes:
      • Free Will
      • Hedonism
      • Utilitarianism
      • Beccaria's 11 Principles of Deterrence
    • Positivism:
    • Involves scientific methods and determinism in criminality.
  • Classifications of Criminals:
    • Lombroso's typologies:
    • Atavistic, Born, Insane, Occasional, Passionate Criminals
    • Phrenology and Body Types: Endomorph, Mesomorph, Ectomorph.
  • Psychogenic Theories:
    • Based on Freud's Id, Ego, Superego.

Chapter 14

  • Routine Activities Theory and Eck’s Crime Triangle.
  • Rational Choice Theory:
    • Emphasizes intelligence, choice, and bounded rationality.
  • Deterrence Theory:
    • Severity, Certainty, Swiftness as critical factors in deterrence.

Chapter 15

  • Psychological Theory:
    • Includes Evolutionary Psychology and Conditional Adaptation Theory.
  • Biological Theory:
    • Focuses on biosocial factors, including neurological influences and genetics.

Chapter 16

  • Key Ideas of Bio-social Theory:
    • Risk Factors: Low IQ, learning disabilities, ADHD, cognitive disorders.
    • Protective Factors: Social environments, empathy, parental bonds.

Chapter 3

  • Historical Theories of Criminality:
    • Move from individual blame to social disorganization perspectives.
    • Social Disorganization Theory: Explains juvenile delinquency.
    • Differential Association Theory: Describes social learning mechanisms.

Chapter 4

  • Merton’s Theory of Anomie
    • Describes the societal structure and strain.
  • General Strain Theory examines types of strain possibly leading to crime.

Chapter 5

  • Durkheim's concept of Anomie: Lack of social solidarity and individualism.
  • Techniques of Neutralization: Ways individuals rationalize deviance.

Chapter 6

  • Social Control Theory: Explains the role of socialization and regulation.
  • Introduces Self-Control Theory: Measures of self-control related to criminality.

Chapter 7

  • Labeling Theory: Understanding deviance through labels (Primary/Secondary Deviance).
  • Braithwaite’s Shaming Theory: Proposes reintegrative shaming for community focus.

Chapter 10

  • Feminist Theory: Examines gender and crime dynamics.

Chapter 18

  • Studies on African American offending and racialized theories of social dynamics.

Chapter 17

  • Integrated Theories exploring life-course and age-graded perspectives on crime.