chapter 7 Flashcards
Parsimonious
if two theories explain the same thing effectively.
To be good a theory must be…
logical, parsimonious, and have a valid structure
occam’s razor
preference of the simplest option
Are social control theory and social learning theory considered a good or bad theory?
a good theory!
positivist school
a school of thought that attributed criminal behavior to biological or psychological factors
Chicago school
the first school of sociology in the U.S. - contributed to social disorganization theory, cultural transmission theory, differential association theory, subcultural theory, the sociology of deviance, and symbolic interactionism.
Hard sciences
chemistry, physics, and biology
what do theories reflect
what has gone on in the past and what is happening during the proposal
psychopathy
a personality disorder characterized by a lack of empathy, egocentrism, manipulation of others, and a tendency towards anti-social and criminal behavior.
classical school of criminology
emerged in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries; argues that people have to capacity to think rationally
rational choice theory
a modern version of classical schooling thinking originating from economics; assumes that humans are rational and have free will and that it is the offender’s choice to commit the crime
differential association theory
Sutherland’s theory that criminal behavior is learned through social interaction; includes learning crimina. skills, motivations, attitudes, and rationalizations.
Medical model
-Lombroso
-Criminals were sick and in need of treatment
Chicago area project
focusing on reorganizing socially disorganized slums through community organizations.
-social disorganization theory; shaw and McKay 1940s
who created the routine activity theory
Cohen and Felson
who created the lifestyle exposure theory
Garofalo, Hindlang and Gottfredson
who created the rational choice theory
Cornish and Clarke
who created the social learning theory
Aker
who created the differential association theory
Sutherland
do public policy and public opinion play a role in shaping criminological theory?
yes
hendonism
the view that pleasure is the primary good; the pursuit of pleasure
utilitarianism
a philosophy that suggests reasoned decisions will produce the greatest good for the greatest number
free will
a will whose choices are not conditioned or determined by factors external to itself; also the doctrine that free will exists
deterrence
a principle of sentencing or punishment intended to discourage citizens from offending or reoffending
craniometry (positivist school)
measurement of the skull; abnormalities were indicatatibve of a person’s mortality and intelligence
actavism
associated with LOmBroso and the positivist school of thought; the notion that criminals are less evolved than others
determinism
all events, including human action, are ultimately determined by causes external to the will
somatotyping
a research technique that links behavioral characteristics to body types.
ectomorph
skinny, frail, prone to nervous disorders and anxiety
endomorph
overweight, sociable, and loved to eat.
mesomorph
a muscular, triangular torso, and competitive, aggressive, and prone to violence
conflict theory
focuses on the unequal distribution of wealth and power (Marx)
consensus theory
society functions through social bonds and collective beliefs and is characterized by the acceptance of values, norms, and laws
two main types of social support
- instrumental support
- expressive support
expressive support
receiving love and affection; feeling included being able to share sentiments and express frustration.
coercion
a primary cause of crime
what prevents and supports crime
coercion promotes crime and social support prevents it
instrumental support
assistance received from others that is tangible
