Module 3: Theories of Crime

Question 1

ID

Answer 1

Biological urges. Guided by the pleasure principle.

Question 2

Superego

Answer 2

Rules and restrictions of society. This is made up of the conscience (morals and ego-ideals).

Harsh Superego, Weak Superego, and Deviant Superego

Question 3

Ego

Answer 3

Manages the conflict between the ID and Superego. This is guided by the reality principle - satisfy the demands of the ID while satisfying constraints of the real world.

Question 4

Harsh Superego

Answer 4

Results in the NEUROTIC CRIMINAL.

Results in pathologic levels of UNCONSCIOUS GUILT.

Criminal behaviour develops as a mechanism to invite punishment to resolve guilt.

Question 5

Weak Superego

Answer 5

Results in the PSYCHOPATHIC CRIMINAL.

Superego fails to develop.

Egocentric, impulsive, guiltless, and unempathic.

Question 6

Deviant Superego

Answer 6

Results in the ANTISOCIAL CRIMINAL.

Superego standards have developed, but represent deviant identification.

Could result if a child’s being raised by criminal parents.

Question 7

What are the four bonds?

Answer 7

Attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief.

Question 8

Attachment

Answer 8

Don’t commit crimes out of fear of jeopardizing relationships. Depends on depth and quality of relationships.

Question 9

Commitment

Answer 9

Time, energy, and effort paced on conventional values.

If someone lacks commitment with this, they have an increased risk of committing crimes.

Question 10

Involvement

Answer 10

Involvement in conventional activities does not leave time to engage in crime.

Question 11

Belief

Answer 11

Respect of societal value system (i.e. laws, law makers and enforcers).

If beliefs are weak or absent, crime will occur.