short answer preparation final

Question 1

what is the core argument of routines activities theory?

Answer 1

crime occurs when three things converge: a motivated offender, suitable target and the absence of a capable guardian

Question 2

what are key concepts and examples of routine activities theory?

Answer 2

motivated offender: a ten looking for quick cash breaks into a parked car

capable guardian: a barking dog or security camera would deter the offender

Question 3

what is a critique of the routines activities theory?

Answer 3

this theory assumes offenders are always waiting for the rght moment but doesn’t explore why someone becomes motivated in the first place. it ignores root causes like poverty, trauma, or mental health and instead focuses only on the immediate situation

Question 4

what is a policy and program for routines activities theory?

Answer 4

increase visible surveillance, such as neighbourhood watch or better lighting

Question 5

what is the core argument rational choice theory?

Answer 5

offenders commit crime after weighing risks and rewards, they make rational decisions

Question 6

what are key concepts and examples of rational choice theory?

Answer 6

cost-benefit analysis: a shoplifter sees a low risk of being caught and high reward

situational influence: commits theft in a blind-spot area with no cameras

Question 7

what is a critique of rational choice theory?

Answer 7

not everyone makes decision in a calculated way. This theory ignores spontaneous crimes, mental illness, addiction, or crimes driven by emotions like rage or panic, where rational thinking isn’t present

Question 8

what is a policy or program for rational choice theory?

Answer 8

target hardening to increase perceived costs ex alarms, locked cabinets

Question 9

what is the core argument of social disorganization theory?

Answer 9

crime flourishes in neighbourhoods with weak social institutions, poverty and instability

Question 10

what are the key concepts + examples of social disorganization theory?

Answer 10

low social cohesion: neighbours don’t trust each other or report crime

institutional breakdown: a failing school system increase dropout and gang activity

Question 11

what is a critique of social disorganization theory?

Answer 11

this theory forcuses a lot on external environment and not enough on personal agency. People from the same community can have very different paths- some may succeed despite conditions, it can also come off as blaming poor communities

Question 12

what are policy or programs for social disorganization theory?

Answer 12

rebuild community centers, invest in youth programs, and improve local schools anything that strengthens social bonds and institutions

Question 13

what is the core argument of general strain theory?

Answer 13

people commit crime due to emotional strain caused by negative experience’s, blocked goals, or loss

Question 14

what are the key concepts + examples of general strain theory?

Answer 14

failure to achieve goals: not reaching educational, career or ,material aspirations (teen commits theft after being rejected from college)

removal of positive stimuli: loss of a loved one or job (someone begins using drugs after the death of a parent)

Question 15

what is a critique of general strain theory?

Answer 15

strain doesn’t always lead to crime. Many people experience hardship and don’t offend. The theory doesn’t fully explain who copes in healthy ways and who turns to deviance

Question 16

what are some policy or programs?

Answer 16

counselling services, financial aid, or mental health supports

Question 17

what is the core argument of labelling theory?

Answer 17

people become deviant because of the labels society puts on them, which they internalize

Question 18

what are the key concepts + examples for labelling theory?

Answer 18

primary deviance: a teen skips school once and is caught

secondary deviance: the teen is now labeled a bad kid and continues skipping

Question 19

what is a critique of labelling theory?

Answer 19

the theory assumes labels are the main cause of deviance, but it overlooks why someone committed the first deviant act (primary deviance) in the first place

Question 20

what is a policy or program for labelling theory?

Answer 20

restorative justice programs that avoid stigmatizing labels and promote reintegration

Question 21

what is the core argument for differential association theory?

Answer 21

crime is learned through social interactions, especially with close peers or family

Question 22

what are some key concepts + examples of differential association theory?

Answer 22

frequency and intensity: a teen whose siblings commit theft is more likely to join in

Learning technique’s and justifications: learns how to shoplift and justify it

Question 23

what are the critiques of differential association theory?

Answer 23

not everyone who is exposed to deviant peers becomes criminal. This theory doesn’t explain resistance or individual moral strength

Question 24

what are policy or programs for differential associations theory?

Answer 24

offer structured prosocial programs for youth, like big brothers big sisters mentorships and job training to replace negative influences

Question 25

what is the core argument for deterrence theory?

Answer 25

people are deterred from committing crime if the punishment is certain, swift and severe. The fear of getting caught and punished discourages offending

Question 26

what are the key concepts + examples of deterrence theory?

Answer 26

specific deterrence: a person caught vandalizing is fined and never does it again because of personal consequences general deterrence: seeing others go to jail for drug offenses discourages someone from trying it themselves

Question 27

what is a critique of deterrence theory?

Answer 27

many people don't think about consequences in the moment especially if under the influence, in crisis or lacking education about the law

Question 28

what is a policy or program for deterrence theory?

Answer 28

high-visibility law enforcement, three strikes policies or mandatory sentencing laws can serve as deterrents

Question 29

what is the core argument of victim precipitation theory?

Answer 29

some crimes occur in part because of the victims behaviour. This theory argues that victims may either actively provoke or passively encourage their victimizations

Question 30

what are the key concepts + examples of victim precipitation theory?

Answer 30

active- a person instigates a fight at a bar and ends up getting assaulted passive- a coworker receives a promotion that another employee feels they deserved. This resentment leads the other to sabotage them or act violently

Question 31

what is a critique of victim precipitation theory?

Answer 31

this theory can easily lead to victim-blaming, especially in sensitive crimes like sexual assault. it often ignores structural issues like power dynamics or systemic violence

Question 32

what are policy or programs for victim precipitation theory?

Answer 32

implement training on conflict resolution, communication and bystander intervention in schools and workplaces

Question 33

what is the core argument for neutralization theory?

Answer 33

argues that people know crime is wrong but they temporarily neutralize their guilt using justifications before committing delinquent acts

Question 34

what are key concepts + examples of neutralization theory?

Answer 34

denial of responsibility- out of their control denial of injury- no harm was done denial of victim- victim to blame appeal to higher loyalties- god

Question 35

what is a critique of neutralization theory?

Answer 35

assumes people are always aware of right and wrong but choose to justify crime. what about people who don't see anything wrong with their actions. it also underestimates systemic or structural influences like poverty, trauma, or normalized violence

Question 36

what is a policy or program for neutralization theory?

Answer 36

implement cognitive behavioural programs in youth justice that, help offenders recognize when they're using justification's and teach them accountability, empathy includes like restorative justice circles