Theory Flashcards
(50 cards)
Delinquency attributed to demonic possession lack scientific validity
Supernatural theory
: Acknowledges mitigating circumstances fe.g., age, mental condition) affecting criminal intent.
Neoclassical School Theory
: Crime results from/rational choices, individuals weigh costs and benefits.
Classical School Theory
Modern Classical School Theories:
Rational Choice Theory:
Routine Activity Theory
: Crime as a calculated decision
Rational Choice Theory
Crime occurs when a motivated offenden suitable target, and lack of capable guardians converge.
Routine Activity Theory:
: Crime caused by pre-existing factors dismisses free will
•
Positive School
:Biological Theories
Physical Appearance and Crime:
Body Type and Crime
Heredity and Crime
Psychoanalytic Theory
Behavioral Theory:
Disproven links between physical features and criminality (e.g., Lombroso, Goring).
Physical Appearance and Crime:
: Sheldon’s Somatotype Theory; delinquents more likely mesomorphic.
Body Type and Crime
: Early studies linked low IQ to delinquency.
Heredity and Crime
: Freud’s id, ego, and superego in conflict may lead to delinquency.
Psychoanalytic Theory
: Behavior shaped by environment and consequences /e.g., Skinner, Bandura).
Behavioral Theory
: Delinquency aligns with neighborhood norms; varies by environment.
Cultural Deviance Theory
: PRESSURE IN LIFE
Strain Theories
Delinquency arises from pressure to achieve societal goals by any means.
Merton’s Strain Theory:
: Delinquency due to frustration from low social status and inability to meet middle-class standards:
Cohen’s Strain Theory
Delinquency from blocked opportunities, leading to illegitimate means.
Cloward and Ohlin’s Strain Theory:
Identifies strains like failure to achieve goals, loss of achievements, and exposure to negative stimuli.
Agnew’s General Strain Theory:
-types of Social Control Theories:
Matza’s Social Control Theory:
Techniques of Neutralization:
Hirschi social control theory
Delinquents are normal but influenced by subcultures; delinquency results from peers’ signals making it acceptable.
Matza’s Social Control Theory:
Justifications delinquents use to neutralize
guilt (e.g., denial of responsibility, denial of injury).
Techniques of Neutralization:
Delinquency deterred by strong social behavior
Hirschi’s social control theory
: Social control can lead to deviance; labels profoundly influence behavior
Labeling Theory
