Week 3: Reviving Classical Theory Flashcards
1
Q
What are Classical Theories?
A
- Argue that individuals choose to engage in crime based on a rational consideration of the costs and benefits associated with crime
- Dominated theory during the late 1700s and much of the 1800s
1
Q
What are Neo-Classical Theories?
A
- They see criminal behaviour as determined by a variety of individual and social factors
- These theories are deterministic theories and have dominated theory since the late 1800s
2
Q
What is the Rebirth of Neo-Classical Theory?
A
- Resurgence in the late 1960s
- Measure certainty/severity of punishments
- Cross-sectional studies (individual perceptions of deterrence)
- Experiential effect (previous experience highly influences expectations of getting caught again)
3
Q
What is the Deterrence Model of Crime?
A
- Argues that people are rational and pursue their own interests, attempting to maximize their pleasure and minimize their pain
4
Q
What is the Impact of Deterrence Theory?
A
- Has had an enormous impact on contemporary crime control policies
- Became popular in the 1970s with Gary Becker’s work
5
Q
What are the two types of Deterrence?
A
- Specific deterrence
- General deterrence
6
Q
What is Specific Deterrence?
A
- Refers to the idea that punishment reduces the crime of those specific people who are punished
- Evidence has shown that increasing swiftness/celerity of punishments does not reduce subsequent offending
7
Q
What does Braithwaite argue about Punishment?
A
- Punishments that isolate people from society increase future crime, while punishments that are reintegrative decrease future crime
8
Q
What does Sherman argue about Punishment?
A
- Effect of punishments are dependent on the extent to which punishments are administered in a fair and respectful manner
9
Q
Why would Punishment not Deter People from Future Crime?
A
- Many offenders may not be rational (often impulsive and high in negative emotionality)
- Punishment may increase strains, reduce social control, and increase the social learning of crime
10
Q
What is Rational Choice Theory?
A
- Crime is seen as a rational choice
- Behaviour can be deterred through fear of punishment
11
Q
What are the type of Criminals in Modern Choice Theory?
A
- Seek excitement and thrills
- Have low stake in conformity (little to lose)
- Are risk-taking
- Many are rational and will be deterred by severe punishment
12
Q
What do Criminals Chose Crime Based on?
A
- Personal Needs (water, foot, etc.)
- Situational Factors (Natural disasters, etc.)
13
Q
What does Crime Depend on?
A
- Chances of getting caught
- Anticipated punishment
- Need for gain
14
Q
What are Offence Specific Situations?
A
- Offenders are selective about specific crimes (opportunity, guardianship, etc.)
- Some crimes are more attractive than others (what are advantages/disadvantages about particular type of crime?)