Theories

Question 1

Classical Criminology

Answer 1

Bentham/Beccaria
- Offenders are the same as non-offenders, decisions are calculated and rational & in their own interest.
- Criminal justice system should be rational and deter offenders and be proportionate to the harm caused.
o CCTV, bike locks deter criminals.
- Beccaria = becomes no longer about revenge only to deter further crimes being committed.
- David Cameron – “Twisted moral code” (when talking about English riots).
o Does not account for inequality.
o Should all people be treated equally?
- Compared to the general population, male prisoners in the UK are:
- 13 times more likely to have been in care as a child
- 13 times more likely to be unemployed

Question 2

Positivist Criminology

Answer 2

• Something different about people who offend. Look at scientific and biological.
• Low self-control, soft determination (people pressured by factors out with their control, social inequality)
• Aim of justice is to fix problem, and as much input as fits the needs of the offender.
• A born criminal?
  o Early positivism: Lombroso 1835-1909
   Focus on body characteristics
   Criminals are less evolved.
• Flawed methodology - no criminal gene, environmental factors influence and being impulsive or aggressive can influence actions.
  • Early positivism is outdated BUT… Research suggests association with some biological factors and crime
• Nutrition – low blood sugars, ADHD – hyperactivity.

Question 3

Developmental Criminology

Answer 3

Developmental Criminology

• Looking at risk factors
• Life choices and correlations
• Why people DON’T offend
• Why certain conditions put you more at risk (not static)
• Acknowledges offending can change.

Question 4

What is the Age/Crime Curve?

Answer 4

The Age/Crime Curve
- Peaks age 16-17 for males & 14-15 females
- 50% will stop offending by age 20.
- What is the significance between age and crime?
o The anxiety over young offenders became a risk and a risk of moral corruption.
o Becomes politically topical - calls for prevention and reduce the risks for crime being committed.

Question 5

What factors explain youth offending?

Answer 5

Identify the risk factors associated with youth offending.

o Environmental factors – schooling, peers, neighbourhoods, drugs
o Family factors – family criminality, poor parenting, chaotic family life
o Individual factors – being male, pre-natal factors, low self-control & reasoning.

Edinburgh Study of Youth Transitions and Crime (McAra and McVie);
If you have already been in contact with the police, then you are more likely to offend.

Link this to labelling theory - criminal justice system is stigmatising

What this shows us?
Most people do it however only small proportion become persistent and serious They are the most vulnerable young people.

Question 6

How do risk factors work and what explains the age/crime curve?

Answer 6

• Reanalysed data from Glueck and Glueck (1950)
• Key factor in offending: social bonds
• Family
• Work
• School
• Community
• Offending increases when bonds weakened, when young you have weak bond, relationships are unlikely to properly establish.
• Importance of ‘turning points’ in adolescence
• Offending becomes less strong when you get a job, army, married.