3.1 Analyse situations of criminality Flashcards
What does it mean to analyse situations of criminality?
It involves examining real-life crimes, identifying their causes, motivations, and influences, and applying criminological theories to explain them.
What are the three main factors influencing criminality?
1.Biological – Genetics, brain structure, hormones
2.Psychological – Personality traits, mental health, learning experiences
3.Sociological – Social class, peer pressure, environment
How can biological theories explain criminality?
Some crimes may be influenced by genetic factors, brain abnormalities, or biochemical imbalances, such as high testosterone leading to aggression.
Give an example of a criminal case that could be explained using biological theories.
The case of Charles Whitman (1966) – He committed a mass shooting and was found to have a brain tumor pressing on his amygdala, a part of the brain linked to aggression.
How do psychological theories explain criminality?
Criminals may have personality disorders, learned behaviors, or psychological trauma affecting their actions.
What criminal case could be linked to psychological theories?
Ted Bundy – A serial killer with possible antisocial personality disorder, showing a lack of empathy and manipulative behaviour.
How do sociological theories explain criminality?
Crime can be influenced by poverty, peer groups, lack of opportunities, and cultural values.
What is an example of a crime linked to sociological theories?
The London Riots (2011) – Some participants came from deprived backgrounds, supporting strain theory and subcultural theory.
How does strain theory (Merton) apply to situations of criminality?
When people lack legitimate means to achieve success, they may turn to crime as an alternative.
What is an example of a crime explained by labelling theory?
A young offender who is labelled as a criminal may struggle to reintegrate into society, leading to further criminal behavior (self-fulfilling prophecy).
How does Marxist theory explain corporate crime?
The ruling class (bourgeoisie) commit crimes like fraud and tax evasion to maintain wealth, while laws are more focused on working-class crimes like theft.
How do opportunity theories explain crime?
Crimes occur when there is a motivated offender, a suitable target, and no capable guardian (Routine Activity Theory).
: How can self-control theory (Gottfredson & Hirschi) explain criminal behaviour?
People with low self-control may be more impulsive and engage in criminal acts, like violent crimes or drug abuse.
How do moral panics influence crime?
Media exaggeration can create public fear, leading to harsher laws and increased criminalization (e.g., gang crime and knife crime laws).
What case study illustrates how media influence can create criminal behavior?
The Murder of James Bulger (1993) – Some blamed violent movies like Child’s Play 3 for influencing the child killers, linking to Social Learning Theory.
How does situational crime prevention reduce criminal opportunities?
Strategies like CCTV, street lighting, and security measures make crime harder to commit (Rational Choice Theory).
How does broken windows theory relate to crime situations?
If small crimes (e.g., vandalism) are not addressed, they can lead to more serious crimes by creating a culture of disorder.
How can peer pressure lead to criminal behavior?
Individuals may feel pressured to commit crimes to gain status or acceptance within a peer group (Subcultural Theory).
How does the XYY chromosome theory relate to criminality?
Some studies suggest men with an extra Y chromosome may be more aggressive, although this is scientifically debated.
What is an example of crime being influenced by historical and cultural context?
Witch hunts (16th-17th century) – Certain behaviors were criminalized due to religious and societal beliefs at the time.
