theories

Question 1

biological theories

Answer 1

• positivism *Cesare Lambroso in 19th century *Criminality is predetermined at birth
• The aggressive gene (MAOA gene)
• Genetic mutation of of MAOA correlates with aggressive behavior and criminality

Question 2

free will/ choice theory

Answer 2

• decision to commit crime is due to rational choice
• rational choice is dictated by reward to punishment *“senseless crime can still be explained by reward of “rush”
• fear of punishment can deter crime
• swiftness and certainty of punishment is important to control crime
• Testosterone- men have higher crime rates than women-young men have higher crime rates than older men-Inmates have higher level if they committed more violent crimes

Question 3

behavioral theories

Answer 3

• criminals are either reinforced to commit crimes or not punished enough to do so
• non-criminals are either reinforced for good behavior or punished enough for non-criminal behavior

Question 4

Social learning theories

Answer 4

• humans learn from observations
• when there are models of criminal behavior, a person is more likely to be a criminal
• when there are few models of law-abiding behavior, a person is more likely to become a criminal

Question 5

social disorganization theory

Answer 5

• people of impoverished communities care more about “getting out rather than fixing what is already there
• cycle begins
  1. breakdown of communities, education, etc.
  2. peer groups and gangs become primary influence
  3. rise in crime because of gang influence
  4. gang/crime participation gets passed down to siblings and the next generation
  5. as they get older, those with values “move on” aand those without values stay, further perpetuating the problem

Question 6

strain theory

Answer 6

• everyone wants financial freedom; however some are unable to attain it, leading to strain or anomie
• this strain leads many to pursue a life of crime in order to achieve wealth

Question 7

conflict theory

Answer 7

• laws reflect the values of those in power, while disregarding those who are not in power “rich vs poor” “white vs Non-white”
• is it possible that the crimes are tailored to penalize those not in power?