ch.7 criminology Flashcards
strain theory
if a person can’t attain something of value through “legitimate means” they will seek “ alternative means “ in order to gain whatever that item of value is
if an individual wants something of personal value and doesn’t have the resources (money) to get it; what are they prepared to do next
control theory
those who lack close or intimate attachments to teachers, parents, and other positive role models and lack the desire to live a law abiding life are free to break the law
laws are created for those who would obey the rules of a society. if one isn’t afraid of the consequences, they may feel free to do whatever they please
labeling theory
ones presentation or outward appearance will likely influence other people opinions of them in a negative or a positive way. some choose to internalize a “negative label” and conduct their actions according to its definition
ex: identifying oneself as a “thug” or “criminal” as something positive
differential association theory
crime is a learning process involving both communication and interaction with those who choose a primal lifestyle over that of conformity
explains how individuals learn deviant behavior through interactions with others. the theory assumes that criminal behavior is learned in the same way as any other behavior through communication and social interaction within close personal groups. Individuals adopt the values, motives, and techniques of deviant behavior when they are exposed to more pro-criminal attitudes than anti-criminal ones.
people become criminals because they’re influenced by those around them who engage in and justify criminal activity
cultural transmission theory
the social environment one is raised In will likely determine their potential to commit criminal acts in the future
the concept that explains how cultural norms, value, and behavior are passed from one generation to the next through social interactions. it emphasizes the role of socialization, where individuals learn and internalize their community’s culture, including both conforming and deviant behavior. this theory highlights the transmission of culture traits over time, maintaining continuity within a society or subculture
medicalization of deviance
is the perspective that some crimes are a sign of mental illness. as a result, some murders, rape, or robberies might be caused by “internal disorders” often defined as some form of “insanity” or “child victimization” and subject to medical treatment or institutionalization rather than prison
atavisms
are people believed to be biological throwbacks to a pre-human species. Lombroso was a pioneer of the scientific criminology. his work was one of the bases of the 20th century. Lombroso’s work is no longer considered a valid explanation for criminal behavior. Lombroso is often called the “father of criminology”
social protection
if society is unable or unwilling to improve the criminal offender or reform social conditions, protection from further criminal behavior by this individual is afforded by life-long incarceration or in some states execution
recidivism
the percent of repeat offenders resulting from the failure of rehabilitation programs. these individuals were arrested, convicted, sentenced, released and often (because of a lack of job or career opportunities) return back to a criminal lifestyle
denial of injury
there’s no victim, and therefore there’s no harm. Ex: “women like aggressive men; but sometimes play the victim if things get out of hand” or “that car lot is insured” or “I was just borrowing the car” rather than admitting to stealing it
white collar crime
these crimes are committed by individuals who are in a position of high responsibility (lawyers, and bankers) who break the law in the course of their work which often entitles them access to personal or privilege information
retribution
the oldest form of punishment known to human civilization. punishment must be as equally severe to the crime that was committed. in most cases that meant torture or death
mala in se
any action that are morally wrong on themselves such as murder, rape, and robbery. the public is outraged when these type of crimes are reported by the media
rehabilitation
a modern approach, linked to religion and the development of the behavioral sciences. Crime and deviant behavior are viewed as the results of social problems (such as poverty) or personal problems (such as mental illness) prison conditions must be improved and offenders given to opportunity to be released as a productive member of society.(training the criminal a skill set for a legitimate trade or career) because of the high cost to implement these programs; some feel that criminal offenders should be locked up for as long as possible without realizing incarceration will not make the criminal a better human being
police discretion
a decision to either arrest or ticket someone for an offense or to overlook the matter altogether Ex: police are more likely to give a ticket or make an arrest if the public witnesses an event that demands an appropriate sanction
