Integrating Criminological Theory Notes

Role of Theory

• Theory: A statement that highlights the relationship between observable phenomena.

  • Based on observation, experimentation, and theoretical reasoning.

• Hypothesis: A possible explanation that can be:

  1. Empirically tested.

  2. Theoretically accounted for.

• Criminological Theories: Addressing the variations in crime:

  • Group Crime Rates:

  • Location: For example, why does the U.S. have the highest crime rates among Western nations?

  • Demographics: For example, why do men offend at higher rates than women?

  • Individual Crime Rates:

  • Why are some individuals more likely to engage in crime than others?

Evaluation and Development of Theories

• Theories can be developed and evaluated in three primary ways:

  1. Direct Evaluation:

  • Assessment of logical consistency, scope, parsimony, and testability.

  1. Empirical Assessments: Testing theories against observed data.

  2. Theory Competition:

  • Involves logical, conceptual, or empirical comparison of two or more theories to determine which offers a better explanation.

Theoretical Integration

• Theoretical Integration: Combining two or more theories to create a new framework that comprehensively explains crime.

  • Elliott et al. (1985): Advocated for theoretical integration.

  • Gottfredson & Hirschi (1990): Opposed theoretical integration.

  • Theories may be:

  • Complementary: When different theories support each other (e.g., Differential Association (DA) + Learning --> Social Learning Theory (SLT)).

  • Competing: Theories that upon deeper analysis appear less incompatible.

Varieties of Integration

• Four Varieties of Integration:

  1. Conceptual Integration:

  • Identifying overlapping meanings between concepts from different theories.

  1. Propositional Integration:

  • Showing how two or more theories predict the same outcomes despite different starting points and assumptions.

  • Can occur at:

    • Within-level: Micro or macro level only.

    • Cross-level: Between micro and macro or structural and processual levels.

Notable Integrated Theories

• Elliott (1985): Integrated model of strain, bonding, and learning.

• Krohn (1986): Network analysis.

• Thornberry (1987; Thornberry et al., 1991): Interactional theory.

• Tittle (1995): Control balance theory.

Elliott's Integrated Theory of Delinquent Behavior

1. Strain: Identified by blocked access to legitimate opportunity (e.g., socioeconomic challenges).

2. Weak Conventional Bonding: Resulting from inadequate socialization and weak bonds to family/school.

3. Strong Bonding to Delinquent Peers: Exposure to peer influence supporting delinquency.

4. Delinquent Behavior: Social reinforcement reinforces deviant attitudes and behavior.

Thornberry's Interactional Theory

• Explores reciprocal relationships among factors affecting delinquency:

  • Structural Disadvantage:

  • Area disorganization.

  • Minority status.

  • Low parent education.

  • Non-intact family conditions.

  • Antisocial Influences:

  • Interactions with delinquent peers and exposure to delinquent beliefs.

  • Social Bonding:

  • Importance of attachment to child and school performance in influencing behavior.

Exam Information

• Test 4 Format:

  • Date: Friday, May 2nd, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

  • Worth 100 points (4th of 4 tests).

  • Location: In-class.

  • Materials: Bring a black/blue pen or a pencil.

  • Restrictions: No notes or textbooks allowed during the test.