Criminology TheoriesCriminology Theories

What causes crime?What causes crime?

Classical CriminologyClassical Criminology

Cesare Beccaria (1738 – 1794)Humans are driven by self-interest People weigh the consequences of their actions People are willing to forfeit some freedom for peace and

security Gov’t must act on behalf of all citizens

The banning of “cruel and unusual punishment” is attributed to Beccaria

Jermy Irons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVMho2cP1NE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1vps6dKcbQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih8z1jMnPbc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0eBIx5fX14 music

PositivismPositivism

Cesare Lombroso (1835 – 1909)

Biological and psychological factors explain criminal behaviour

There are born criminals Certain physical features

reflect a criminal mind

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ySvYNBKHDA

Sociological PerspectivesSociological Perspectives

Emile DurkheimEmile Durkheim

Anomie Theory

Anonymity of big cities gives certain individuals the opportunity to commit crimes

Crime may serve the function of challenging prevailing views

1930s Chicago 1930s Chicago SchoolSchool

Ecological

Neighbourhoods with high levels of poverty are more likely to condone crime

Karl Marx and Karl Marx and Frederick Engels Frederick Engels Communist Communist Manifesto (1848) Manifesto (1848)

Social Conflict Theory

Capitalist societies that encourage competition for resources and wealth make crime inevitable

People with money and power decide what is considered criminal

Consensus Theory

There is a universal definition of right and wrong ~ laws reflect this consensus

Criminals choose not to accept the view of the majority

Contemporary TheoriesContemporary Theories

Strain Theory

People commit crimes when they believe they cannot achieve their goals in legitimate ways

Socialization Theory

Key influences leading to criminal behaviour are upbringing.

Peer groups and role models

Social Conflict Theory

The root cause of crime is the unfair economic structures of capitalism

Cultural TheoryCultural Theory Certain cultures degrade members of Certain cultures degrade members of

the society. the society. They are easier to victimizeThey are easier to victimize

Does Pornography De-Humanize?Does Pornography De-Humanize?

Contemporary Biological TheoriesContemporary Biological Theories

Biological Trait Theory

Certain traits predispose certain individuals to criminal behaviour

Biochemical TheoryBiochemical Theory

Poor diet, hormones, or Poor diet, hormones, or alcohol or drugs while alcohol or drugs while in the womb may cause in the womb may cause a person to engage in a person to engage in criminal behaviourcriminal behaviour

Neurophysiological Theories

Certain neurological dysfunctions are connected with criminal activity

GeneticsGenetics

The tendency to engage in criminal behaviour is based on genes

XYY Theory (1967)

Criminals have abnormal xyy chromosome

.13% of population .7% of mental institutions 1.93% of prisons

Signs and symptomsTall stature

Severe Acne during adolescentThin personality

Learning DifficultiesDelayed speech and Language skills

Delayed motor developmentsAntisocial or aggressive behavior 

The mind of a killerThe mind of a killer

The mind of a Serial KillerThe mind of a Serial Killerhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5NKsuXmkDMhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5NKsuXmkDM

The Childhood of a Serial KillerThe Childhood of a Serial Killerhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP-xaOjCIm0&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP-xaOjCIm0&feature=related

PsychopathsPsychopathshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA9-RB3runE&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA9-RB3runE&feature=related