Theoretical Approaches: Civilisation Theory

Question 1

Civilisation theory: what is it?

Answer 1

• As socities develop over centuries, they develop greater self-control and social restraint.
• This leads to long-term declines in interpersonal violence.

Question 2

Key Concepts (3)

Answer 2

• Macro-historical thoery: looks at centuries of societal development
• Centralisation of state power & monopoly on violence reduced interpersonal violence
• Social norms internalised over time (shame culture, etiquette)

Question 3

Cross-national application (2)

Answer 3

• Explains why modern Western nations have lower violent crime compared to the past
• Suggests cultural norms, not just economic status, impact crime levels

Question 4

Example of this

Answer 4

Europe’s homicide rate dropped from ~20/100,000 in medieval times to ~1 today (Gurr 1981)

Question 5

Strengths & Criticisms

Answer 5

Strengths:
* explains long-term crime decline in developed nations
* connects personal behaviour with broader social organisation

Criticisms:
* less effective at explaining short-term increases or property crim.
* some argue internal self-control may cause self-harm (drug abuse, suicide)