short answer preparation final Flashcards
what is the core argument of routines activities theory?
crime occurs when three things converge: a motivated offender, suitable target and the absence of a capable guardian
what are key concepts and examples of routine activities theory?
motivated offender: a ten looking for quick cash breaks into a parked car
capable guardian: a barking dog or security camera would deter the offender
what is a critique of the routines activities theory?
this theory assumes offenders are always waiting for the rght moment but doesn’t explore why someone becomes motivated in the first place. it ignores root causes like poverty, trauma, or mental health and instead focuses only on the immediate situation
what is a policy and program for routines activities theory?
increase visible surveillance, such as neighbourhood watch or better lighting
what is the core argument rational choice theory?
offenders commit crime after weighing risks and rewards, they make rational decisions
what are key concepts and examples of rational choice theory?
cost-benefit analysis: a shoplifter sees a low risk of being caught and high reward
situational influence: commits theft in a blind-spot area with no cameras
what is a critique of rational choice theory?
not everyone makes decision in a calculated way. This theory ignores spontaneous crimes, mental illness, addiction, or crimes driven by emotions like rage or panic, where rational thinking isn’t present
what is a policy or program for rational choice theory?
target hardening to increase perceived costs ex alarms, locked cabinets
what is the core argument of social disorganization theory?
crime flourishes in neighbourhoods with weak social institutions, poverty and instability
what are the key concepts + examples of social disorganization theory?
low social cohesion: neighbours don’t trust each other or report crime
institutional breakdown: a failing school system increase dropout and gang activity
what is a critique of social disorganization theory?
this theory forcuses a lot on external environment and not enough on personal agency. People from the same community can have very different paths- some may succeed despite conditions, it can also come off as blaming poor communities
what are policy or programs for social disorganization theory?
rebuild community centers, invest in youth programs, and improve local schools anything that strengthens social bonds and institutions
what is the core argument of general strain theory?
people commit crime due to emotional strain caused by negative experience’s, blocked goals, or loss
what are the key concepts + examples of general strain theory?
failure to achieve goals: not reaching educational, career or ,material aspirations (teen commits theft after being rejected from college)
removal of positive stimuli: loss of a loved one or job (someone begins using drugs after the death of a parent)
what is a critique of general strain theory?
strain doesn’t always lead to crime. Many people experience hardship and don’t offend. The theory doesn’t fully explain who copes in healthy ways and who turns to deviance
what are some policy or programs?
counselling services, financial aid, or mental health supports
what is the core argument of labelling theory?
people become deviant because of the labels society puts on them, which they internalize
what are the key concepts + examples for labelling theory?
primary deviance: a teen skips school once and is caught
secondary deviance: the teen is now labeled a bad kid and continues skipping
what is a critique of labelling theory?
the theory assumes labels are the main cause of deviance, but it overlooks why someone committed the first deviant act (primary deviance) in the first place
what is a policy or program for labelling theory?
restorative justice programs that avoid stigmatizing labels and promote reintegration
what is the core argument for differential association theory?
crime is learned through social interactions, especially with close peers or family
what are some key concepts + examples of differential association theory?
frequency and intensity: a teen whose siblings commit theft is more likely to join in
Learning technique’s and justifications: learns how to shoplift and justify it
what are the critiques of differential association theory?
not everyone who is exposed to deviant peers becomes criminal. This theory doesn’t explain resistance or individual moral strength
what are policy or programs for differential associations theory?
offer structured prosocial programs for youth, like big brothers big sisters mentorships and job training to replace negative influences
what is the core argument for deterrence theory?
people are deterred from committing crime if the punishment is certain, swift and severe. The fear of getting caught and punished discourages offending
what are the key concepts + examples of deterrence theory?
specific deterrence: a person caught vandalizing is fined and never does it again because of personal consequences
general deterrence: seeing others go to jail for drug offenses discourages someone from trying it themselves
what is a critique of deterrence theory?
many people don’t think about consequences in the moment especially if under the influence, in crisis or lacking education about the law
what is a policy or program for deterrence theory?
high-visibility law enforcement, three strikes policies or mandatory sentencing laws can serve as deterrents
what is the core argument of victim precipitation theory?
some crimes occur in part because of the victims behaviour. This theory argues that victims may either actively provoke or passively encourage their victimizations
what are the key concepts + examples of victim precipitation theory?
active- a person instigates a fight at a bar and ends up getting assaulted
passive- a coworker receives a promotion that another employee feels they deserved. This resentment leads the other to sabotage them or act violently
what is a critique of victim precipitation theory?
this theory can easily lead to victim-blaming, especially in sensitive crimes like sexual assault. it often ignores structural issues like power dynamics or systemic violence
what are policy or programs for victim precipitation theory?
implement training on conflict resolution, communication and bystander intervention in schools and workplaces
what is the core argument for neutralization theory?
argues that people know crime is wrong but they temporarily neutralize their guilt using justifications before committing delinquent acts
what are key concepts + examples of neutralization theory?
denial of responsibility- out of their control
denial of injury- no harm was done
denial of victim- victim to blame
appeal to higher loyalties- god
what is a critique of neutralization theory?
assumes people are always aware of right and wrong but choose to justify crime. what about people who don’t see anything wrong with their actions. it also underestimates systemic or structural influences like poverty, trauma, or normalized violence
what is a policy or program for neutralization theory?
implement cognitive behavioural programs in youth justice that, help offenders recognize when they’re using justification’s and teach them accountability, empathy
includes like restorative justice circles
