chapter 5: Critical Criminologies Flashcards
1
Q
What are critical criminologists interested in?
A
to uncover injustices, promote reforms at the root causes of crime rather than just managing or punishing it.
2
Q
What is critical criminology?
A
Looks at crime and the justice system through the lens of social inequality and power.
3
Q
what are control theories?
A
- focuses on why people DON’T commit crimes.
- because we have friends and family we have something to lose which might keep us from committing crimes in the first place
4
Q
what is the life course theory
A
- how different stages or life events can turn us towards or away from crime and shapes our behaviour.
- example: if i became a mother, it would turn me away from crime
5
Q
what is the rational choice theory?
A
- That crime is a choice made after thinking about whether it’s “worth it.”
- weighing the pros and cons
6
Q
Name the 3 steps in the “Situational Crime Prevention”
A
- Increase Effort
- make it harder for criminals to commit crimes
- locking doors, setting up cameras, getting a dog, putting up a fence - Increase Risk
- no option to be anonymous, more chance of revealing your identity to the public - Reduce Rewards
- make it more likely that offenders will be caught if they try to commit a crime.
7
Q
what is routine activities theory
A
crime happens when three things come together at the same time and place:
- offender
- victim
- place
8
Q
what is crime prevention through environmental designs?
A
- a strategy that aims to reduce crime by designing physical spaces in ways that make crime less likely.
- example: speedbumps
9
Q
what is the broken windows theory?
A
- broken windows, graffiti, or litter, can encourage more crime in neighbourhoods.
- if a place looks neglected, it can make people think no one cares about that area
10
Q
what are marxist criminologists interested in?
A
- how crime is influenced by class struggles
- is crime influenced by relative deprivation? (unfairness?)
