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
deviant behavior
is any action that a society considers unacceptable but not necessary illegal. excessive tattoos, body piercings and modifications would fall into this category
denial of the victim
blaming the victim for the crime. Ex: “women who hang out at bars and dress in provocative clothing are asking for it”
tertiary deviance
“Normalizing” behavior consider unacceptable or illegal by the mainstream society. rationalizing that “everyone else is breaking the law”
secondary deviance
these are illegal acts committed by individuals who identify themselves as criminals and decide to live a criminal lifestyle (illegal drug dealers)
moral entrepreneurs
are those who feel that it is their primary responsibility to tell the public “what is right for them” (regarding consumer products or politics)
mala prohibita
actions are wrong because they are prohibited by the law. although the act itself may not be recognized as being morally wrong
ex: underage drinking, drug use, making money from prostitution, and curfews
ritualism
those who often loose sight of societies ( goals - but are over compulsive to the means +) a person who goes according to the standards this structure teaches them
victim precipitation
unintentionally putting oneself in a position to be a victim of a crime. one should always be aware of their surroundings regarding their safety.
ex: its not wise to walk up to an outside ATM machine alone in the middle of the night one could become a victim of a crime
organized crime
is a “criminal conspiracy” that provides illegal services for profit. Criminal behavior in this system takes on the form of a business or “criminal enterprise” that is regulated and controlled by “regional bosses” the difficulty law enforcement has with organized crime is the fear of “internal corruption” within its ranks
deterrence
an early modern approach to criminal studies in which deviance is viewed as a social disruption, which society must act to control. people are viewed by this approach as a rational and self-interested. therefore deterrence requires that the pain of the punishment outweigh the pleasure or reward of the crime
victimless crimes
consensual acts that violate criminal law, but don’t usually harm those involved. This includes prostitution, gambling, and disorderly conduct.
ex: with prostitution both prostitution and the client are willing to break the law because they both benefit from the criminal act. the prostitute gets paid, and the clients receives the service that the prostitute offers
