Unit 2: Criminological Theories Flashcards
What is the difference between the social and the legal definition of criminal behaviour
The social definition being that how we define a crime in society whereas the legal definition is against the criminal law and it usually is made up of two elements
State two examples of court sanctions against criminals (formal)
Fines which are determined on the level of seriousness of the offence
Discharge which is being released on license and if you commit a crime you will be charged for the original crime and the new crime
State two examples of police sanctions against criminals (formal)
Cautions: Warnings given by the police or CPS to anyone aged 10 or over for minor crimes You must admit to the offence and agree to the caution.
Conditional cautions: Means you have to stick to certain rules and restrictions If you break the conditions, you can be charged with a crime.
What 3 things do society withhold in how we deem criminal behaviour
Norms, Values and The Moral Code
What is the difference between the publics perspective and the criminological perspective of deviant acts
Public: Deviance is any behaviour that differs from normal. It is behaviour that is unusual or out of the ordinary
Criminological: Behaviour that is disapproved of and the rule breaking leads onto further behaviour
What is the difference between informal and formal sanctions against deviance
Formal sanctions are imposed by official bodies like courts and informal sanctions are imposed by institutions like schools
What are the Implications of Committing a Criminal Offence?
Offender will receive a criminal record
May be excluded from certain occupations
Might be placed on a register
May be banned from travelling to certain countries
Name three laws that differ due to culture
Cannabis- Illegal in the Uk but it is legal in Mexico this is due to them being unable to control the influence of drug use
Homosexuality- Legal in the Uk but Illegal in India & Saudi Arabia this is down to religious beliefs
Honour Crimes- Illegal in the UK but legal in Pakistan this is due to religious beliefs
State an example and a reason why the law of your choice has changed over time
The laws around Homosexuality have changed overtime due to movements like LQBTQ and society breaking law
How are laws applied differently according to circumstances in which actions occur and give a case study
Differential enforcement of the law: Moral panics about certain crimes can lead to offenders being treated more harshly by the courts. Moral panic 1960’s – Mods and Rockers – stricter sentences to teach young people a lesson.
State another example of how laws are applied based on the circumstance
Age of criminal responsibility: This is the age below which a kid is considered incapable of being a criminal. This makes sense because kids under a certain age can’t fully comprehend the consequences of their actions and can’t be held accountable for them in the same manner. Wales, England, and Northern Ireland: 10 Scotland: 12 years old.
Describe a physiological theory of criminality
Lombroso: Studied the physical characteristics of both criminals (dead and alive) and claimed that criminals could be identified by atavistic (primitive) features. He also claimed that it was possible to tell the type of crime someone would commit by the way they looked e.g: Murderers had bloodshot eyes and curly hair; sex offenders had thick lips and protruding ears
Describe a biological theory of criminality
William Sheldon suggested that people could be classified into three body shapes (somatotype) which corresponded to 3 different personality types ectomorphic, endomorphic and mesomorphic. By comparing photos of college students and delinquents he concluded that criminals were more likely to have mesomorphic body shape and least likely to have a ectomorphic body shape
Describe a genetic theory of criminality
Jacob Et Al’s XYY Syndrome suggested that The Abnormality of the sex chromosomes maybe a cause of criminality. An extra Y-Chromosome can create XYY men (super males) who are thought to be more aggressive and more inclined to be violent. Low Intelligence, tall, well-built, more aggressive. (15/1000 vs 1/1000)
Describe a learning theory of criminality
Bandura suggested that Social Learning theory is learning can take place indirectly through observations and imitation of role models. Children were shown an adult model being verbally and physically aggressive towards an inflatable Bobo doll he tested this with three groups who had different types of rewards and punishments it yielded the fact that the imitation of the modelled behaviour depends on the consequences observed upon the role model.
Describe a psychological theory of criminality
Criminal Behaviour is the result of a particular personality type. Eysenck suggests our personality is based on 2 dimensions:
1. Extroversion vs Introversion
2. Neuroticism vs Emotional Stability
Eysenck’s personality test shows that high scores in E and N tend to correlate with criminality. PEN made you a criminal
Describe a psychodynamic theory of criminality
Freud stated that Early experiences will determine whether we grow up to act in deviant ways and that the human Personality consists of 3 parts:
1. ID (Unconscious, instinctive primal parts of the mind)
2. The superego (Moral Conscience) acts as a guide to our behaviour
3. Ego (Seeks rational and sensible control)
A healthy personality balances all three developed in early childhood
Describe Marxism
Marxist theory suggests that Capitalism causes Crime through an exploitation of Working Class (Prolates) along with selective Law Enforcement it also pushes consumerism may lead to theft and it also states that Inequality = frustration may lead to violence and finally that laws protect property and the interest of the bourgeois
Describe Durkheim’s functionalist theory
Durkheim states that crime is a positive in society because otherwise we wouldn’t have rules he stated in his theory that if we have shared norms and values there will be 3 functions of Crime: Boundary Maintenance, Social Change and Social Cohesion
What is Right Realism
The right realist theory was developed by Charles Murray which focused on the increased control and punishment it stated that Crime was caused by: Inadequate socialisation, Children growing up in the underclass, Single Parents, Poor Social control and Zero Tolerance. It also aligns with Wilson and Kelling’s Broken Window Theory
What are the strengths of Lombroso’s theory
*His research showed the importance of examining clinical and historical records of criminals
*His later work took some limited account of social and environmental factors , not just heredity.
What are the weaknesses of Lombroso’s theory of criminality
*Research since Lombroso has failed to show a link between facial features and criminality
*By describing, criminals as like ‘primitive savages’, Lombroso equates non-western societies with criminals. This is a form of racism
What are the strengths of Sheldons theory of criminality
Most serious delinquents have extreme mesomorphic body shapes.
Other studies have replicated Sheldon’s findings. Glueck and Glueck found that 60% of the offenders in their study were mesomorphs.
What are the weaknesses of Sheldons theory of criminality
Glueck and Glueck found that is was a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors.
Criminals may develop a mesomorphic build as a result of needing to be physically tough to succeed
What are the strengths of XYY Syndrome
One study by Jacob et l. (1965) found that a significant number of men in prison had XYY sex chromosomes instead of the normal XY.
Adler et al. (2007) indicated that it is possible that aggressive and violent behaviour is at least partly determined by genetic factors
What are the weaknesses of XYY Syndrome
Genetic abnormalities are widespread throughout the general population and therefore do not explain aggression.
Focusing too heavily on genetics ignores the behaviourist approach.
What are the strengths of Bandura’s Social Learning Theory
*Bandura shows that children who observed aggressive behaviour being rewarded, imitated that behaviour.
This shows the importance of role models in learning deviant behaviour.
What are the drawbacks of Bandura’s Social Learning Theory
Based on laboratory studies.
The theory assumes that peoples behaviour is completely determined by their learning experiences and ignores their freedom of choice.
What are the strengths of Freudian Theory
The theory points to the importance of early socialisation and family relationships in understanding criminal behaviour
What are the weaknesses of Freudian Theory
Critics doubt he existence of an ‘unconscious mind’ - how could we know about it, if its unconscious?
What are the strengths of Eysenck’s Theory
His personality tests has formed the basis of many modern personality tests that try to predict people’s behaviour in different situations, for example, psychometric tests. De Young (2010)
What are the drawbacks of Eysenck’s Theory
Research in this area relies on self-report measures about a person’s view of their personality. This can result in biased or deliberately false answers (Farrington et al., 1996).
What are the strengths of Marxism
It focuses on the difference between inequality and poverty and it shows how capitalists push consumerism on the poor leading them to commit crime
What are the weaknesses of Marxism
It overpredicts the amount of poor people that turn to crime and largely ignores the relationship between crime and other inequalities such as gender and ethnicity
What are the strengths of Functionalism
He was the first person to recognise that crime can be a positive for society because it can introduce new boundaries
What are the weaknesses of The functionalist theory
Society has to require a certain amount of deviance to function but no one knows that amount
What are the strengths of The Right Realism theory
It is supported by Feldman who says people may risk committing a crime if the reward is high
What are the drawbacks of the right realism theory
Feldmans studies were experiments and may not apply to real life
What type of patient has to take Sedatives and how are they administered
They are used on violent offenders as a calming sedative which reduces panic and anxiety furthermore it also reduces hostility, anxiety, agitation and hyperactivity
How effective are Sedatives/Tranquilisers
Overall sedatives are ineffective because although they help they dont cure and they produce unwanted side effects and in some cases this results in disastrous consequences
What type of patient has to take Methadone and how is it administered
It is used on people who have heroin addictions and it is used to treat addicts as a long-term alternative to heroin and also to prevent withdrawal symptoms. It is administered under close supervision and monitoring by medical professionals. They are administered orally or sublingually
How effective is Methadone
Overall the use of Methadone is fairly effective because it includes further treatment but the big factor in why it is ineffective is that if they don’t take the methadone when they are out of prison
Who is the death penalty used on
Capital punishment or state execution. According to Amnesty International (2017) 1,032 people were executed in 2016 (excluding China). It was shown that the murder rate did not soar as a result of the abolition so a permanent abolition of it for murder took place in 1969.
Is the Death Penalty effective
Ethics and human rights: Sentencing someone to death denies that individual two vital human rights guaranteed under international law, as established by the 1948. No - Does not deter crime, Miscarriages of justice [Unit 2 AC 1.2 Derek Bentley and Timothy Evans]. No - Used as political tool.
What type of patient has to undertake a Think First Programme and how is it administered
Repeat offenders for minor crimes and It tackles the way offenders think and behave and aims to change behaviour by teaching problem-solving skills.
How effective is the Think First Programme
Yes – ethical: regular tests given throughout programme to measure offenders’ skills and attitudes towards offending.
No - Completion of the programme will require significant commitment and motivation on the part of offenders.
What type of patients has to undergo Aggression Replacement Training and how is it undertaken
Violent Offenders have to undertake this course and it is administered by addressing the behavioural element of aggressive behaviour through the use of social skills training, replace out-of-control destructive behaviours with constructive pro-social behaviours.
How effective is Aggression Replacement Training
Yes – ethical: regular tests given throughout programme to measure offenders’ skills and attitudes towards offending.
No – research statistics are mixed and inconclusive
What type of patient has to go Aversion Therapy and how is it administered
It is undertaken by patients who are suffering with substance dependence/addiction, voyeuristic disorders. It is administered through helping an offender to give up a behaviour by associating habit with something unpleasant
How effective is Aversion Therapy
Yes – A recent study found that 69% of participants reported sobriety 1 year after treatment.
No – short-term only (everyday situations and temptations). No long-term effectiveness found in research and there are issues with ethics
How is imprisonment used
Types of sentences: Concurrent: where two or more prison sentences are given and ordered to be served at the same time, there are also Consecutive sentences which are served one after the other
How effective is Imprisonment
No – over-crowding in prison also reoffending costs economy between £9.5 and £13 billion annually furthermore prison has a poor record for reducing reoffending – 46% of adults are reconvicted within one year of release
What type of person is a Zero Tolerance Policy used for and what is it
It is used for all types of prisoners and it is based on the ‘nipping at the bud’: based on ‘broken windows’ theory where it states that visible signs of decay such as litter, broken windows, graffiti, abandoned housing and so on are signs of public disinterest.
How effective is the Zero Tolerance policy
Yes - Pioneered by NYPD. Since 1993, major crime fell by 39% and murder by 49%. The UK has seen similar results: the promise to cut crime by 20% in 18 months, was fulfilled.
No - aggressive policing, including accusations of heavy-handedness by the police also crime has fallen in areas without zero-tolerance policing
How effective is CCTV
Yes – provides compelling evidence, trace steps of offender, identifies potential witnesses (James Bulger murder, London riots) And it is also more effective when directed at reducing theft of and from vehicles
No - no impact on violent crime and also the quality of cctv
What is the definition of Social Values and give an example of a Social Value
Rules shared by most people in a society or ideas that they hold in value they are more guidelines than norms like for example most people feel like we should respect the elderly
What is a modern example of policy development in Social Values
Cannabis Oil: Currently Cannabis is a controlled drug but is 2018 the govt announced that specialist doctors in the Uk will be able to prescribe cannabis-derived medicinal products legally
What is the definition of Norms and give an example of a norm
A norm is a social expectation that guides behaviour and explains why people behave and act in the way that they do an example of this would be for instance in the Uk dark sombre colours are usually worn to funerals but in China the colour of mourning is white
What is a modern example of policy development in Norms
New Psychoactive Substances: Chemicals sold under names like spice and black mamba which are designed to give users the same effect as drugs like cannabis and coke were legal until 2016
What is the definition of Mores and give an example of a More
Mores are good ways of behaving. Norms that a culture would think of a s too serious to break an example would be committing murder
What is a modern example of policy development in Mores
Up Skirting which is the taking of sexually intrusive photos was made illegal in 2018 with a punishable offence
How has society changed its views on Homosexuality
Society changing, with religious teachings suggesting homosexuality is wrong, has led to a less religious structure. Age plays a significant role in this shift, with each generation developing enhanced tolerance, resulting in a growing acceptance of homosexuality.
Produce a timeline of key laws that have changed the face of Homosexuality
1950s: arrests allowed the discussion for a change in the law.
1957: Wolfenden Report: laws were an impingement on civil liberty
1967: homosexuality was decriminalized (21).
2000: the age was lowered to 16 years old
2004: civil partnerships were permitted
Produce a timeline which shows the changes in the law around Smoking
1951 was The first large-scale study linking smoking with lung cancer 1965 Cigarette advertising banned on television,
1970s The Government issued health warnings on all packaging
1980s: Smoking is banned London Underground
2000s: British Heart Foundation includes graphic images alongside government’s anti-smoking campaign
How has society changed its view on Smoking
Mid-1950s: several pieces of research published confirming a link between tobacco products and lung cancer. The public had growing concerns about the dangers of smoking cigarettes, which meant the eventual disappearance of doctors from cigarette advertisements.
Produce a timeline on how laws around Women’s Rights have changed over time
1928: support for equality - women received the right to vote
1960s: the Women’s Liberation movement
1970: the Equal Pay Act 1970 made it illegal to pay women lower rates than men for the same work.
1975: the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 made it illegal to discriminate against women in work, education and training.
How has society changed its view on women’s Rights
The stereotype of a married woman would be one that stayed at home to look after the children, while the husband went out to work. Unmarried women were often employed in a service such as teaching, waitressing or cooking.
What is Harpers Law
It was introduced after PC Andrew Harper was dragged under a car during a pursuit of a stolen motor vehicle the law basically states that you will get a high tariff if you injure an emergency worker depending on injury severity it is used in Spain and The Uk currently
What is Clare’s Law
Introduced after Clare Wood was abducted by her boyfriend who had a history of domestic violence charges, it aims to allow people to go to a police station and request a criminal record on someone it has been successful 45,000 people have already used this
What is Sarah’s Law
Introduced after Sarah Payne was abducted by a known sex offender at a young age, its aim is to allow families to access a map of sex offenders that live in the nearby area
