Lec 10 & 11 Flashcards
ways to categorize theories:
consensus & conflict based
consensus:
assumes HIGH degree of consensus abt social norms + values, and departures mark deviance
conflict:
society is composed of diverse social groups w different definitions of right and wrong
theoretical categories:
emphasis on:
- INDIVIDUAL
- STRUCTURE
- PROCESS
- CONFLICT
emphasis on individual is
non sociological
emphasis on social structure is
sociological
emphasis on social process
sociological
emphasis on social conflict
sociological
early theories of crim believe that
a force of evil made them do it (religion + superstition)
main disciplines that inform criminology
PHILOSOPHY (today) Biology Anthropology Psychology Law Sociology
context for classical theory:
enlightenment, feudalism -> capitalism, development + role of the state, development of common law + civil law
philosophical theory
(classical crim theory) -> FREE WILL and RATIONAL actors
people CHOOSE to commit crime based on a calculation perceived costs and benefits
ultarian principle:
greatest happiness for greatest number
3 R’s of classical crim:
- RIGHTS (individual)
- REASON / RATIONALITY
- RULE OF LAW
solution to crim in classical
deterrence (if costs > benefits) = punishment
punishment can deter crime if it is:
- swift
- certain
- proportional to the crime
critique of classical theory:
- general principles did not always serve justice = rational actors
- equality BEFORE the law makes a world of deep social insecurities
solution to crime? (psychological)
treatment +/or incapacitate
if you are NOT able to control your actions, it may reduce your level of responsibility
(assess MENTAL CAPACITY to stand trial)
psychological theories policy offers:
- drug treatment courses
- anger management programs
- partner assault response programs
sociological theories state
social pathology was responsible for crime NOT biological or psychological pathology!
(social STRUCTURE, PROCESS, + CONFLICT)
types of sociological theories: social structure ?
- social ecology: chicago school
- social disorganization
- strain theory
social disorganization:
was responsible for crime NOT biological or psychological pathology
solution of social disorganization =
reorganize and address disorganized communities
strain theories
(CONSENSUS BASED)
social structure and social learning influence the attitudes + behavior of the individual
(examine SOCIAL PATHOLOGY rather than individual pathology)
