Theories Flashcards
Lombroso
Genetically born to commit crime and having physical characteristics such as large jaws and high cheekbones
Sheldon Somatotype
Body type is linked to offending
List the 3 type of body types in Sheldons studies
- Ectomorph
- Endomorph
- Mesomorph
State one personality trait for ectomorph
Introvert
State one personality trait for endomorph
sociable
State one personality trait for mesomorph
aggressive
State two physical traits of ectomorph
Thin and fragile
State two physical traits of endomorph
Fat and soft
State two physical traits of mesomorph
Muscular
Christiansen (1977)
3500 twins
if the twins were identical = high crime.
List 3 individualist theories
- Social learning theory
- Freud
- Eysenck
Social learning theory - bandura - people commit crimes due to two things?
Observe + imitate
What are the two dimensions in Eysnck personality theory?
Extroverts/introversion
and
neuroticism/stability
Freud, what are the three psychological components
- Id
- ego
- superego
Explain the psychological component: ego
rationality
Explain the psychological component: Id
Impulsive
Explain the psychological component: superego
morality
State Durkheim theory of crime
Crime is inevitable and necessary for society. it reinforces the social norms
Durkheim stated that crime reduces the chances of _____
Anomie
Definition of anomie
Anomie is the breakdown of social norms caused by crime
Give a summarised definition of Mertons strain theory
Mertons strain theory is caused by gaps in the societal goals and the capabilities of achieving them.
What are the five ways individuals adapt to strain according to Mertons strain theory?
- Conform
- Innovation
- Ritualism
4.Retreatism
5.Rebellion
What is conforming in Mertons strain theory?
Conforming is a way of adapting to strain which involves an individual chooses to achieve socially accepted goals through legitimate means
What is innovation in Mertons strain theory?
Innovation is a way of adapting to strain through committing deviance/crime
What is ritualism in Mertons strain theory?
Ritualism is a way of adapting to strain, but they will disregard goals but will still follow the ‘means’ to attain the goals
What is retreatism in Mertons strain theory?
Retreatist is a way of adapting to the strain, and involves dropping both goals and the means
What is rebellion in Mertons strain theory?
Rebellion is a way of adapting to the strain and it involves having ‘criminal’ goals and means
Give one example of conforming in Mertons strain theory
One example of conforming in Mertons strain theory is trying hard in school to get a successful career
Give one example of innovation in Mertons strain theory
One example of innovation in Mertons strain theory could be drugs
Give one example of ritualism in Mertons strain theory
One example of ritualism in Mertons strain theory is students who graduate from school, with an unclear career path but get attend university as that is what’s expected from them.
Give one example of retreatism in Mertons strain theory
One example of retreatism in Mertons strain theory could be someone who resorts to drugs or is homeless
Give one example of rebellion in Mertons strain theory
One example of rebellion in Mertons strain theory could be someone who has extreme political views
Give a summarised definition of the subculture theory by cohen
Status frustration occurs in working class boys due to failure in education, they have to turn to illegitimate means to gain goals.
Give a summarised definition of the subculture theory by cloward and ohlin
There is a variety of subcultures and they have different ways to respond back to crime
Cloward and Ohlins subculture theory: Give a definition for criminal subculture
Criminal subculture is organised crime, completely turning to illegitimate means over legitimate means
Cloward and Ohlin subculture theory: Give a definition for conflict subculture
Conflict subculture is gangs and youths
Cloward and Ohlin
subculture theory: Give a definition for retreatist subculture
Retreatist subculture is can’t attain goals through legitimate or illegitimate means so they as well ‘drop out’ and resort to drugs
Give a brief summary of Marxist theory of crime
Marxist believe that class inequality and capitalism cause crime
Give a brief summary of right realism
Right realism means crime is caused by poor socialisation and a ‘culture of dependency’
Give a brief summary of left realism
Left realism means crime is caused by relative deprivation, marginalisation, and subcultures.
