Criminal Behaviour - Knowledge And Understanding Of The Characteristics Of Criminal Behaviours Flashcards
What is crime?
Crime is any act that violates the law and results in punishment from the state.
Why is crime a social construct?
Laws are dependant on each society and the social context in which these behaviour takes place. Laws are based around the social norms of the society.
What did Farr and Gibbons (1990) suggest the 7 different categories of criminal behaviour were?
Property predatory crime
Property fraudulent crime
Interpersonal violence (general)
Interpersonal violence (sexual)
Transactional vice
Order disruption
Folk/mundane crime
What is Property predatory crime?
Persons are involved in attempting to or actually taking the personal property of others without permission
Give an example of Property predatory crime
Theft or burglar
What is Property fraudulent crime?
Persons are involved in deceit or manipulation with the purpose of converting property or services of others to their own ise
Give an example of Property fraudulent crime
Embezzlement, identity theft, forgery
What is Interpersonal violence (general)?
Persons are involved in actions that threaten or cause actual personal harm
Give an example of Interpersonal violence (general)
Murder, assault, battery
What is Interpersonal violence (sexual)?
Persons are involved in actions that threaten or cause actual personal harm and contain a sexual element.
Give an example of Interpersonal violence (sexual)
Rape, sexual assault
What is Transactional vice?
Persons are involved in “victimless” offences where there is a willing exchange of goods or services.
Give an example of Transactional vice
Drug dealing
What is Order disruption?
Persons are involved in actions where there is no direct victim, but concert is raised about potential victims.
Give an example of Order disruption
Protesting
What is Folk/Mundane crime?
This type of crime tends to foster public ambivalence and the public generally regards such acts as an inconvenience or nuisance rather than a crime.
Give an example of Folk/Mundane crime
Fishing without a licence, minor speeding, parking
How does the Office of National Statistics (ONS) categorise criminal behaviour?
They categorise criminal behaviour into 2 categories:
- Victim-based crimes
- Crimes against society
Why is it difficult for psychologists to study criminal behaviour?
Some crimes are considered to be relatively “normal” in some cultures. The “normality” of crime can make it difficult to gain a valid measurement and understanding of criminal behaviour.
What is the issue with categorising crime?
Any theory of crime is very unlikely to encompass all criminals. Many theories attempt to explain crimes revolving around violence and aggression as it is deemed a universal crime. However, it is is important to note that there are more difference between criminals than similarities.
Why is crime being a social construct a challenge for psychologists?
What is criminal seems to be constantly
