Study Notes on Criminal Behavior Theories and Influences

Historical Perspectives on Criminality

  • Late 1800s Theories:

    • Society believed in the ability to determine criminality based on skull features (e.g. phrenology).

    • Phrenology posits that specific brain regions relate to behavior.

    • Examples include willfulness, ideologies, and friendship.

  • Phrenology's Beliefs:

    • Belief in the localization of faculties within the brain.

    • Observations of skull shape supposedly reveal personal development.

    • This idea is largely considered a belief rather than a scientific fact.

  • Atomism:

    • Suggests existence of features shared among early human evolution stages.

    • Criminal traits thought to be inherited from example ancestors (e.g., apes).

Cesare Lombroso and Atavistic Theory

  • Cesare Lombroso (1835-1909):

    • Italian criminologist and a proponent of the atavistic theory.

    • Proposed that criminals are born with physical traits suggesting primitive human ancestors.

  • Lombroso's Key Publications:

    • Introduced the atavistic theory in "The Criminal Man" (1876).

    • Suggested that certain physical traits indicate born criminals, such as thick brows, large jaws, and long limbs.

  • Implications of Atavistic Theory:

    • Certain individuals identified as biologically predisposed to crime.

    • Lombroso believed they represented a regression in human evolution, being less advanced than normal people.

    • Advocated focusing on "born criminals" to reduce crime rates, arguing they pose a risk to societal progress.

  • Critique of Lombroso's Ideas:

    • Lombroso’s theories are considered scientifically flawed and outdated.

    • Modern criminology acknowledges the role of social and psychological factors over physical traits.

    • Emphasizes the complexity of crime beyond mere appearance.

Evolution of Criminology

  • Nature vs. Nurture Debate:

    • Discussion regarding whether criminal behavior is inherent (nature) or influenced by environment (nurture).

    • Connection to Social Darwinism.

  • Biosocial Theories:

    • Focus on interaction between biological and social influences on behavior.

    • Consideration of factors like brain dysfunction, nutrition, and environmental pollutants (e.g., lead).

  • Soma and Body Types:

    • Soma refers to bodily characteristics linked with offender behavior.

    • Body Types:

    • Mesomorph: Prone to aggression and violent behavior, muscular build.

    • Endomorph: Soft and gentle, perceived as more docile.

    • Ectomorph: Tall and thin, often associated with introversion or nerdy traits.

Eugenics Movement Overview

  • Eugenics Definition:

    • Historical movement advocating for forced sterilization to improve genetic quality of populations.

    • Linked to famous historical case: Buck vs Bell, which legalized sterilization of the mentally ill.

  • Historical Developments in Eugenics:

    • Originated from Plato's theories on selective breeding for optimizing society.

    • Gained traction in America in the late 19th century, influencing state laws against certain groups.

  • Impact of Eugenics:

    • Led to the forced sterilization of thousands, including targeted minorities (Native Americans).

    • Modern implications raised by genetic editing (e.g., CRISPR) and ethical concerns regarding future eugenics.

Psychological Perspectives in Criminology

  • Fruedian Theory:

    • Sigmund Freud's model consisting of:

    • Id: primal impulses and desires.

    • Ego: rationality and mediates desires/impulses.

    • Superego: internalized morals and ethics.

  • Impact of Personality on Criminal Behavior:

    • Discussion on psychopathy and related concepts.

    • Traits of Psychopaths (as per contemporary classifications):

    • Interpersonal: Superficial charm, intelligence, and lack of nervousness.

    • Affective: Lack of remorse, inability to experience deep emotions.

    • Behavioral: Impulsivity, relationship issues, and early behavioral problems (identified in childhood).

Societal Influences on Crime

  • Social Disorganization Theory:

    • Explores how societal norms and structures affect individual behavior.

    • Terms like "social bonds" and "social control" are crucial in understanding crime.

  • Role of Transitional Zones in Crime Rates:

    • Areas experiencing rapid changes or high poverty often see elevated crime.

    • Solutions might include reforming community structure, integrating mixed-income neighborhoods, and improving resource access.

Theories of Anomie and Norms

  • Durkheim's Anomie Theory:

    • Anomie: state of normlessness; occurs during rapid societal change when established norms lose their significance.

    • Suggests that disconnection from societal goals can lead to deviancy and crime.

  • Responses to Anomie:

    • Adaptation strategies:

    • Conformity: Acceptance of societal goals and means to achieve them.

    • Innovation: Acceptance of goals, but rejection of means to achieve them (e.g., criminal acts to meet desires).

    • Ritualism: Abandonment of societal goals but strict adherence to means (i.e., having a job but not working toward advancement).

    • Retreatism: Rejection of both goals and means, leading to apathy or engagement in victimless crimes (e.g., drug use).

Criminalization of Behavior

  • Understanding Victimless Crimes:

    • Defined as activities that do not directly harm others (e.g., gambling).

    • Raises questions about societal definitions of acceptable behavior and how individuals navigate criminal labels.

  • Socialization and Criminality:

    • Criminal behavior can be learned through social interactions and normalizations within certain groups, shaping an individual’s identity and actions.