Chapter 2: Why do we do it? Flashcards
Sociological criminology examines
- Patterns of crime within social structure
- Dynamics of interaction between individuals and social institutions
- Effects of social stratification
Development of Biological Theory
Sociobiology and criminology
- Biology, environment and learning are mutually interdependent
- Personal traits separate deviant from non-deviant
- Personal traits account for different responses to similar conditions
Cesare Lomboroso (1835-1909)
- Known as “father of criminology”
- Concept of ‘phrenology’
- Poor research method
Ideas were abandoned in early 20th century
Contemporary Trait Theories
- Criminality can be explained by individual differences
Both biological and psychological
May be genetic, neurological or chemical - Focus on basic human drives, not legal definitions
E.g., aggression, impulsivity - Trait works in combination with environmental and social factors
Focuses on chronic offenders, criminal careers
Hormones
Used to explain gender differences in behaviour
- Associated with impulsivity, emotional volatility and antisocial emotions
Androgens
- Testosterone has been linked to violence
PMS
- Belief that antisocial behaviour increases shortly before menstruation
- Research evidence mixed
- PMS defence only used a few times
Neurophysiology -
Brain Scans
Impairments in prefrontal lobes thalamus, medial temporal lobe, superior parietal and left angular gyrus areas of the brain
Neurophysiology -
MBD (minimal brain dysfunction)
May be manifested in episodes of rage associated with child and spousal abuse, suicide, homicide
Common in prison populations
Arousal Theory
- High risk activity causes arousal (stimulation)
- Too much arousal causes anxiety, too little causes boredom
“Sensation seekers”
Require high levels of stimulation, seek our exciting activities
May include criminal & violent activities
Level of arousal may be result of
Brain chemistry, number brain cells with neurotransmitter, receptor sites, heart rate
Evolutionary Views of Crime
1) Aggression facilitates dominance over scarce resources
- Provides advantage in survival and reproduction
2) Gender differences in reproduction encourage aggression in males
- More sexual partners, more offspring
- Aggressive males have greater impact on gene pool
- Accounts for jealousy, war, spousal abuse
Social Learning Theory
Basic premises of behaviourism
- Behaviour is supported by rewards, extinguished by punishments
Crime is learned response to life situations
Social Learning Theory - Albert Banudra
- Aggression is learned, not innate
- Requires personal observation of aggression or rewards for aggression
- Involves behavior modeling of family members, community members and mass media
Social Learning of Violence
Violence and aggression are produced by:
- An arousal event (provocation)
- Learned aggressive skills
- Expected success and rewards
- Pro-violence values
Media & Violence
- Aggressive scripts
Violence is copied - TV violence increases arousal level
- TV violence promotes attitude change
- TV violence promotes justification for violence
- Media violence may disinhibit aggressive behaviour
Rational Choice Theory
Classical Theorist
Cesare Beccaria (1738-1794)
- On crimes and punishment (1764)
- “Let the punishment fit the crime”
Principles of Rational Choice Theory
- Crime is result of careful thought & planning
- Criminals choose crime based on
Personal needs
Situational factors - Crime depends on
Chances of being caught
Anticipated punishment
Need for gain
Structuring Criminality
Decision to commit crime depends on:
1) The location
- Ability to avoid detection
2) The target
- No one home, cash in till
3) The available means & techniques
- Skills & tools needed for the job
General Deterrence
Fear of punishment which inhibits crime results from
1) Certainty of punishment
2) Severity of punishment
3) Celerity (speed) of punishment
Why Death Penalty Is Ineffective
- Murder is often a “crime of passion”, not planning
- Occurs under the influence of alcohol, drugs
- By-product of crimes related to poverty
Specific Deterrence
Convicted criminals
- High rates of recidivism
- ⅔ of incarcerated are rearrested within 3 years
- Recidivism lower for those on probation
Can Incapacitation Deter Crime?
- Research is inconclusive
- Incarceration may increase recidivism
- Strict incarceration may reduce violent crime
Structural Theories of Violence
Basic Perspectives
- Economic class position is the primary cause of crime
- Economic and social forces in low income neighbourhoods push residents into crime
- Crime is mainly the work of youth gangs and underemployed young adults
Social Structure Theories - Strain Theory
Barriers to achievement create frustration and anger, resulting in crime
