AC 4.1 Flashcards
What do genetic theories of criminality argue?
They argue that criminal behaviour is caused by inheriting a ‘criminal gene.’
This idea is now discredited but was associated with the eugenics movement in the early 20th century.
What was the fear of eugenicists regarding the human race?
Eugenicists feared that the human race was degenerating because the poor were breeding at a higher rate than the upper classes, passing on supposedly inferior genes.
What policies did eugenicists favor?
They favored policies such as compulsory sterilisation of ‘defectives’ like criminals and those with mental illnesses or learning difficulties.
What did eugenicists claim about sterilisation laws?
They claimed that sterilisation laws would prevent incarcerated criminals from giving birth to ‘criminal’ offspring.
What research supports the theory of inherited criminality?
Research from Osborn and West in the 1970s found that 40% of boys with criminal fathers had criminal records, compared to just over 12% of boys whose fathers did not.
What was a significant ruling related to eugenics in the US?
In 1927, the US Supreme Court ruled that it was legal to compulsorily sterilise the ‘unfit,’ including those with learning difficulties.
How is methadone used in drug treatment?
Methadone is used to treat heroin addiction as a long-term alternative, preventing withdrawal symptoms and reducing crime.
What is Stilbestrol and its use in treating sex offenders?
Stilbestrol is a female hormone given to male prisoners as a form of chemical castration to suppress testosterone and reduce sex drive.
What does psychodynamic theory suggest about criminality?
It suggests that a weak superego, resulting from inadequate early socialisation, can lead to criminality.
What is psychoanalysis?
Psychoanalysis is a treatment where patients verbalise their thoughts to access unconscious, repressed thoughts believed to lead to criminal activity.
What did Aichhorn’s research focus on?
Aichhorn applied psychoanalytic ideas to treat young offenders, providing a nurturing environment to help develop their superego.
Is psychoanalysis effective for treating criminals?
Psychoanalysis is generally not effective; Eysenck found only 44% of patients showed improvement compared to 72% treated by hospitals or GPs.
What does operant learning theory state?
It states that criminal behaviour is learned through reinforcement and punishment, applied through token economies in prisons.
How does a token economy work?
In a token economy, offenders earn tokens for desirable behaviours, which can be exchanged for rewards, reinforcing good behaviour.
What is the effectiveness of token economies?
Some studies show improved behaviour during the program, but behaviours often revert after leaving prison.
What is Wilson and Kelling’s ‘broken windows’ theory?
It argues that a disorderly neighbourhood signals that nobody cares, attracting offenders and leading to increased serious crime.
What twofold policy do Wilson and Kelling advocate?
They advocate for an environmental improvement strategy and a zero-tolerance policing strategy to address all crime.
What evidence exists for the effectiveness of zero-tolerance policing?
Crime fell significantly in New York after ZTP was introduced, with major crime decreasing by 39% and murder by 49%.
What do left realists see as the root of crime?
They see crime as a result of marginalisation, relative deprivation, and subculture, advocating for policies to reduce inequality.
What is the multi-agency approach in left realism?
It involves police working with local communities to decide priorities, improving cooperation and effectiveness in tackling crime.
What is the role of CCTV in criminal investigations?
CCTV is a crucial tool for identifying suspects and has policy implications as a deterrent to prevent crime.
Does CCTV work as a deterrent?
CCTV can make a small but statistically significant reduction in crime, especially effective against vehicle theft.
How effective is CCTV as an investigative technique?
CCTV can provide compelling evidence, helping to identify suspects and witnesses in many criminal cases.
